Portland 2012: The green city and tax-free shopping
For a while, Portland, Oregon was the only major city in the Pacific Northwest region that we have not been so we were thrilled when the opportunity presented itself. Portland is often referred to as one of the most environmentally friendly cities in the world because of its public transportation networks and efficient land use planning.
Within the city center, we can commute for free, which I thought is a brilliant way to encourage visitors to take the Max Light Rail. I just read the news that this free zone will no longer exist come September 1st this year. Ah well.
The other wonderful thing about the state of Oregon is the tax-free shopping. It's definitely a paradise for shopaholics. The sales tax in our county is around 8.25% so yes zero sales tax is music to our ears and we made good use of it.
We also took the chance to visit a friend and his family during our stay. It's always nice to visit fellow Singaporeans who are scattered around the country. He in turned brought us to a German pub where we had delicious German beer and cuisine. Awesome.
While it was a brief trip, we are thankful to have this opportunity to experience the charm and friendliness of Portland.
Welcome to Portland
German beer from Gustav's German Pub And Grill and a happy customer.
These were awesome!
Interesting art in downtown Portland
Pioneer Place where we did some of our shopping.
Found a good Thai restaurant which was a delight. This Pad See Ew was fantastic.
Just a stone throw away from our hotel are where the
food carts are located! It's great to have all the food carts in one area, definitely make it easier for tourists and local alike to check them out. We checked out Tabor Czech Food and loved what we had.
Schnitzelwich -Breaded pork loin or chicken breast in a Ciabatta roll with lettuce, paprika spread, sautéed onion and horseradish ($8)
Szekely Goulash - pork sirloin stew made w/Hungarian paprika, spices and blended w/cream & sauerkraut ($8)
Mini cupcakes from Saint Cupcake, which were average.
Within the city center, we can commute for free, which I thought is a brilliant way to encourage visitors to take the Max Light Rail. I just read the news that this free zone will no longer exist come September 1st this year. Ah well.
The other wonderful thing about the state of Oregon is the tax-free shopping. It's definitely a paradise for shopaholics. The sales tax in our county is around 8.25% so yes zero sales tax is music to our ears and we made good use of it.
We also took the chance to visit a friend and his family during our stay. It's always nice to visit fellow Singaporeans who are scattered around the country. He in turned brought us to a German pub where we had delicious German beer and cuisine. Awesome.
While it was a brief trip, we are thankful to have this opportunity to experience the charm and friendliness of Portland.
Welcome to Portland
German beer from Gustav's German Pub And Grill and a happy customer.
These were awesome!
Interesting art in downtown Portland
Pioneer Place where we did some of our shopping.
Found a good Thai restaurant which was a delight. This Pad See Ew was fantastic.
Just a stone throw away from our hotel are where the
food carts are located! It's great to have all the food carts in one area, definitely make it easier for tourists and local alike to check them out. We checked out Tabor Czech Food and loved what we had.
Schnitzelwich -Breaded pork loin or chicken breast in a Ciabatta roll with lettuce, paprika spread, sautéed onion and horseradish ($8)
Szekely Goulash - pork sirloin stew made w/Hungarian paprika, spices and blended w/cream & sauerkraut ($8)
Mini cupcakes from Saint Cupcake, which were average.