Day 5

Another hot day in paradise. Well, that is an exaggeration. It's not really paradise here. I can only imagine what day 5 of a vacation is like with kids. Speaking for myself, I was a little cranky today. Maybe because I am tired of the heat. Or maybe because I struggle when there's not a routine. Whatever the reason, today took more effort. Since the last farmer's market (2 days ago), I had been craving goat cheese. So that was first on the agenda: another farmer's market for fresh goat cheese and fresh, soft ciabatta rolls. We went to a public fountain to eat, and who knew--Portland seems to actually encourage playing in their fountains! This is a new concept to me, since there are posted signs in Dallas discouraging children from playing. We came back to this fountain in the afternoon and there were probably 30 kids and 10 adults wading and splashing. Like a little urban splash park. Next we went to try the famous "Voodoo donuts" we've heard so much about. This was the line. To get into the donut shop. Yeah, right. So we skipped that.

And then it was off for some air conditioning! Let me just take a second and NOT suggest The Kids are Alright as a summer movie. Unless you are a man-hater or don't mind several graphic sex scenes in your summer movies--then you might like it. But otherwise, word to the wise: steer clear. I so wanted to like it. Oh well. So next we went to the Japanese Garden. Beautiful, beautiful, beautiful. And still hot. But beautiful. And finally, after a harrowing 45 minute trek via bus, train, and walk--we made it to our dinner destination, a great Tapas restaurant on the north side of town. Why do Portlanders not believe in deodorant, when much of their time is spent, arms raised, on the train? I am proud to say that despite some tense moments, we made it to the restaurant with wedding rings on. An hour and a half later we were both happy again--well fed and in much better moods to depend on public transportation to get home.

Here's to Portland's heatwave ending--at 9 PM tonight! Here's to a cooler and more happy day 6!