It didn't take me long to come across the Irish influence out here in Portland. Driving from the airport (after a sleepless flight and no luggage -delayed!!) I spotted a beautiful Celtic cross proud as punch on top of a hill. Turns out to be an Irish Potato Famine memorial ! At one stage over 10% of the population was Irish. In honour of this they now have a Irish Potato Famine Memorial erected just outside the city centre or downtown in my best American accent. The piece was built by a Donegal stone sculptor Brendan McGloin and then shipped over here in 2008, after nearly three years of hard work. Mary McAleese did the honours and unveiled the memorial during a snow storm of all things in 2008. She even made a joke about bringing over the bad weather, good woman Mary. |
The city of Portland is many things. It's creative, vibrant, open minded and passionate. I've been to a comedy gig, karaoke, music gig ( Big Freedia - just try not to have fun!) , and ate the very large portions of every food that can be covered in cheese, which here is everything! This town loves it's beers and many breweries exist, sure I had to try a few! Little Miss Tourist came out two or three days and I hit up the regular haunts including a gorgeous Chinese garden, the quirky Pioneer square, and checked out all the various bridges. A highlight was definitely the hike up Multnomah Falls .This magnificent waterfall is very impressive and my lungs certainly got a workout on the mile and a half steep uphill trek. Vista House viewpoint only added to the scenery |
The weather has been great so far, haven't seen a raindrop and no I don't miss it yet! Heading to Seattle next. I'll finish up on a phrase I have heard 6 billion times since I've been here
"Have a nice day now!"
Caitriona
You can check out more photos on the wirld Facebook page or on Instagram at trionastricks .