Day 3…. Greeted by rain and the kind of weather that would drive Portlanders to drink. The TV was awash with anti-Trump protests. I knew that they were expecting 50,000+ people but I thought I would brave downtown anyway. Here is a picture from my room:

Portland was a hotspot when Trump got reelected but this time it was loud, angry but no damage caused. Women of every different race, religion and questionable fashion sense met at the waterfront. Whilst I am not a woman I thought that I would support those that I know. Even though it was for a serious cause I was in a state of constant amusement with placards like this…

Dr Seuss would be proud. Was heartwarming to see Oregonian wonen passionately standing up for their beliefs, but their Grade 10 English would have nightmares about their butchering of the Queen’s English.

Every Downtown food joint was overflowing so like Burke and Wills I decided to explore the outer ‘burbs, the Pearl District to be exact.

When it is 5 degrees C the answer is always vietnamese pho and my prayers were answered.

Vietnamese soup conataining broth, noodles and non descript pieces of beast always warms the soul. This was no exception, sure it looks like dirty dishwater but there is nothing better than a good pho.

With a warm belly I decided to venture further into the unknown. I came across one of Portland’s many hiking stores. This one (REI) had a mountain climbing rock in the middle of the store. I would have taken a photo but I decided not to out of respect of the lady that was ascending towards the ceiling.

 Tomorrow  I have an invite to a house to watch the two semis of the NFL which should be great. Other than the Super Bowl this will be the biggest day of the year. They are putting on the traditional pre-big game spread and I have been told to just bring some good beer. My hosts are beer boffins so I am worried that whatever I choose might not cut the mustard. My host’s wife is worried that some lone Australian is going to come into their home and teach their kids bad habits but I will ooze enough charm to make the Australian Tourist Bureau smile with delight.

Don’t expect an update tomorrow just in case my team loses and I have an overdose on buffalo wings and mac and cheese.  In the coming says I am going hiking so for all the tree-huggers out there, this is your time to get excited. Tonight I am headed to a burger bar for a gig, should be interesting… let’s hope the meat patties and pickles are in endless supply.