So once again, my spouse and I have been reconsidering relocation. No wait. That's not strong enough. My spouse has come to terms with the fact that I am INSISTING on relocation!
Even with the state of the economy, I've been studying up once again on the Great Northwest. Between the amazing Seattle Survival Guide (see my review at http://www.epinions.com/content_44449697412), friends who can provide me information (see HemPem's GREAT review on Portland at http://www.epinions.com/content_64158862980), the internet, and and this book, I'm doing well.
Several weeks ago I laid down the law to mr. miselainis. I told him that I could no longer handle the heat, people who pride themselves on their ignorance and their southern bumpkin-ness, the accents that make them all sound like morons, the lack of decent radio stations (everything here is Top 40, country or CLASSIC Rock), the abundance of unrepentant and PROUD Republicans, and the FORD commercials! If you have never lived here, you can never quite understand the advertising that caters to the lowest common denominator of the viewing audience.
Example (make sure to overexaggerate the ah-heah hick sound of your voice)
"Summer's here it's time to get on boo-ooard...
So go out and GIT yerself a get-tough Foo-ord!"
To paraphrase the Animals, "We gotta get out of this place...if it's the last thing we ever do..."
So last year I found this little gem in the travel section and picked it up. At first I was quasi-annoyed that space was devoted to Portland, when all I wanted was information on Seattle.
But lately, mr. m. and I have been considering Portland even more strongly, and this book has helped us do some deliberate planning. Both cities have great things about
them. At this point, I think the traffic in Seattle is the biggest drawback. And the fact that there's no Crate and Barrel in Portland. Yet. But whoever calls me for a job in whichever city, that's where we head.
The Irreverent Guides series is written with a little tongue in cheek. That's why I like it. I checked out one on Boston last year before my trip, and enjoyed the very casual way in which it was written.
Irreverent Guides pride themselves on providing a mix of information-- some of it good, some of it negative. They give you the real scoop...the stuff most guidebooks do not tell you. For instance, a guidebook on Seattle would tell you about the wonderful Woodmark Hotel in Kirkland and how special it is, with its lakeside views and quiet elegant rooms. The folks at irreverent also provide you with the useful tip of knowing that it is at the mercy of the Evergreen Point Floating Bridge, which produces some of the worst traffic tie-ups in town. Still sound like as good a bargain? See, this is the stuff nobody tells you. It's like having a local show you around, only in paper form.
Jim Gullo has written a great overview on both cities, comparing and contrasting the two for public consumption.
The book is divided into two halves, the first discussing Seattle, and the second, Portland. Within those divisions fall the other categories. For each city, they are:
Introduction (a quick view of a situation that describes the real feel of the city)[like having Bill Gates give you a wave if your boat happens to sail by his house when he's outside. It's the attitude that gets described here]
Neighborhood Map Very informative, and they're provided for both cities.
You Probably Didn't Know A few nifty details that only a local can give you. For Seattle, you learn things like "Where would I go to meet someone at 'The Pig?'"The
answer is the bronze pig at Pike Place Market. For Portland, you learn "Where can I bum a free ride?" The answer is inside the MAX light-rail's downtown 'ride-free' core.
Accommodations Covers everything from boudoir European fu-fu style hotels to dingy matron hotels that are city traditions. Then it continues with bed and breakfasts and student hostels. Prices and amenities are provided, as are locations, and nearby points of interest. Thorough, and well-researched. A "Lowdown" section divides dining into areas and cuisines for more information. Interesting bets for Seattle include the Inn at the Market (shown in "Sleepless in Seattle"), and the boutique hotels of the Kimpton Group- The Hotel Monaco, and the Hotel Vintage Park.
Best choices for Portland include the McMenamin Brothers re-do of an old school that now includes bars, theaters, and a bed and breakfast!
Dining Explains the area's main types of cuisine. For both, just about any type of seafood is a good bet. And although the Asian fusion mindset has subsided somewhat since the 90s, some restaurants still crank out amazingly groundbreaking new tastes. A "Lowdown" section is provided for dining as well. Good Seattle choices include Canlis,
Cascadia, The Painted Table, and El Gaucho. For Portland, try Caprials' Bistro or one of the numerous brewpubs for which the city is famous.
Diversions Includes activities from festivals to family outings, museums to ferry travel. Featured here are enjoying "The mountain" (Mount Rainier) when it is "out" in Seattle, seeing the Space Needle, or checking out the "Experience Music" project. In Portland, he suggests the Rose Festival (of course), seeing the gardens, and checking out the Saturday Market near Burnside Bridge and Ankeny Square.
Getting Outside Covers the outdoors set in their attempts to get closer to nature near Mount Rainier, Mount Hood, or any of the other parks, seashores or natural
wonders the areas have to offer. And remember...the locals don't use umbrellas. It marks you as a tourist!
Shopping Details the best areas in town to choose from new stuff. In Seattle these include Pioneer Square and University Village. In Portland, use the added benefit of no sales tax at Powell's City of Books, the Pearl District, or Nob Hill.
Nightlife & Entertainment Covers the happening scenes in the music (live and otherwise), singles bars, ballet and opera, and dance club departments. Suggested
visits in Seattle include: Belltown and Capitol Hill, the Pyramid Alehouse and Brewery across from Safeco Field, and Kells at the Market. Among Portland's options are: The McMenamins School (again), The Crystal Ballroom, or The Aladdin Theater. Options tailored to gay clientele are included.
Hotlines & Other Basics Is composed of quick phone number lists for all the basics: airports, convention centers, buses, car rentals, etc.
Altogether, I would say this book is an indispensable take-along if you're heading to either city (or both cities!) Keep it handy for whatever activities you have in mind.
I know that until transplant comes, I'll be referring to it often!
I paid $12.95 for my copy full-price at a local chain.
Recommended:
