We arrived in Portland at around 7 pm, and although check-in was at 11 am, our host, Tricia, patiently waited to receive us. The apartment, itself is very neat and clean and attractively furnished. Being a cook and eager to make our own meals, I was peeved by the poorly equipped kitchen. There are no cooking utensils and no coffee machine although there is an electric kettle for tea. For those guests, who unlike me, do not wish to cook but who might want to buy meals and warm them later, there is no microwave. However, I must admit that when we did ask Tricia for some of these basic kitchen items, she graciously gave us her own.

Needless, to say, everything else about our trip was great! The location is perfect for walking and biking. It is also very close to the bus stop and light rail which is part of Portland's TriMet transit system. Get a day pass for $5, and you can go anywhere and everywhere in the city. SE Division Street is where it's happening in Portland and is one of the hippest places where one can hang out. There are tons of restaurants to choose from, and if you are a beer lover, like my husband, tons of bottle shops and tap rooms to sample. Try the Imperial Tap Room and the Hub. My husband's favorite was the Snipes Mountain Samsquatch IPA from "Imperial." Another favorite was the ice-cream shop, "Salt and Straw". The ice-cream is out of this world, but be prepared for a very long line. "Genies" is a great breakfast place, and we also enjoyed "Pine State Biscuits." We loved Portland and the people, and we are sure you will, too!