5 Reasons Why Portland Is The Land of Inspiration and Creativity for Artist & Authors

2 years ago Adventure, Photography, Sustainable Traveling, Travel, TravelYep, WritersYepper's Journeys

On a December adventure, 2017

“A wise man once said “Courtesy is as much a mark of a gentleman as courage” –Theodore Roosevelt

This holds true for Portland, Oregon.

I’m definitely coming back to the place that welcomed a Canadian/Dominican city mom from Montreal, Quebec. I’ve traveled my fair share of the US and there are places that I wish, I’ve never even visited and there are other places where I can’t wait to go back again.

Picture by GlobeTransformer.

On my To-Do-list of places to visit and explore the horizons Portland, Oregon was my number one choice.

First and foremost I’ve come here to gain more insight for my first fiction book. (Name will be announced soon ;)) In other words, to unblock my serious writers-block-syndrome (that’s how I called it- when it’s more than a week).

Aside from the fact that I’ve been dreaming of this place since my 16^th birthday. I had two reason to come to Oregon.

One, was because my main characters from the book are originally from Portland and most of the story line started from a dream I’ve been having of this place. Punch Bowls Falls, Oregon.

Picture from WallPaper Studio 10

Second, I wanted to start my first blog/online media & publishing website, in the place that inspired the first spark of development phase for Writersyep.

Nonetheless, after spending the weekend in this beautiful city, I came up with 5 ideal reasons why Portland is the land of true inspiration. (Hint: People with writers-block take notes ;))

1. The People & The Air

Photo: Angie Olivo. All rights reserved to Writersyep, 2018.

Tilikum Bridge

Most Canadians have the privilege of breathable air and an abundance of clean fresh water. Portland has all of this in abundance too.

Now, not only the city landmarks and the views, make the places we travel memorable, It is definitely its citizens which makes our experiences worthwhile.

In this case, the root and the branches of this enchanted land of Oregon, it’s the people. Portland’s citizens standout from the norm. The West-Coast folks really distinguish themselves by their politeness and genuinely innovative spirit in helping others. Nonetheless, Oregon is with its sense of community and its immense charisma really separates itself from regular U.S cities.

Let’s start with my lovely host from Airbnb, Benjamin. I had the pleasure of staying in his place called The Apt Upstairs. It was super cozy, clean and quiet space.

Photo: Angie Olivo. All rights reserved to Writersyep, 2018

He made me a great list (which I added at the end of the post :)), it was very useful and at the end of the day, I notice I went through half of it only spending $10 in transportation! As well, there were a few stores and places that they were already expecting me! So, in other words, top notch customer service.

Journalist and writers, if you are looking for a place to stay, be comfy and have everything near from when you need to take a break from working. Definitely, recommend to stay at The Apt Upstairs 😉

For my travelers and nomad folks as you already know- the citizens you encounter in your journeys; are both the “Good Samaritan”, helpful and reliable sources to have. And they are the ones that guide you through the places that you should definitely visit and the places you should avoid at all cost!

I’ll admit those random individuals make traveling interesting too, don’t you think? I took an anthropology class once, and love it. Honestly, It fascinates me the study about human past and present cultures and traditions in different parts of the world.

Taking an anthropology class, it helped in creating more authentic characters and describe better their surroundings, their cultures, and traditions. In other words, is good to take the time in developing characters personalities based on their environment. It makes the writing of the story line more entertaining, and for readers to connect and relate better to the characters too.

So, yep! We might travel to places where the people might be odd, however, that’s your own personal opinion. Keep an open minded when you travel always. You never know, the people you meet in your travels might surprise you.

Learn to take a closer look at why we think their behavior is different from us and what makes them so special to us. Why they act how they act, in front of strangers from other countries. Its kinda of a cool feeling, to really get to know someone new, and maybe, just maybe…their story might be re-created in a book. I don’t know about you, but that’s the best form for a person’s story to be remembered forever. And very soon, our publishing side will make that come true! Stay tuned!

Have you taken an spontaneous journey, lately?. Let me know in the comments where. what did you learn about yourself that you didn’t know before?

2. Multi Roaster Coffee Concepts

Barista

Barista is the perfect coffee shop for writers-on-the-go traveling through Portland. The atmosphere at this coffee shop was super cozy, with an indie stylish looking space and laptop friendly. The couches are super comfy which is the ideal spot for inspiration. Lastly and most importantly, their service is splendid.

Barista is one of the few coffee shops in Portland that does its own roasting and gathers it`s coffee beans from areas known to their community. This means that their coffee is super duper authentic!

This Barista is on Pearl District, which was established in 2009 by Bill Wilson. It was the first coffeehouse that credited Barista with its first roasting concept.

They focus on micro-quality versus quantity. Barista seeks out and showcases “guest” roasters, even small obscure ones, both locally and from other cities, making Barista’s unique dominance found in most other local cafes. There are currently, four stores in Portland and on Pine street.

Exclusive to Barista – their roasters blend. Super delicious you cannot help and try them all!

KIOSKO

As I traveled to the South-West side of Portland, I came across this little coffee place near the water front park. I`ll be honest, it was one of the best coffee`s I’ve ever tried. Their coffee is so tasty and rich in flavor!

The picture above, It’s 60 % Mexican Coffee that comes from a place called Colima in Mexico. This area has as an attraction to what they called “Volcano de Fuego” (Volcano of Fire) and KIOSKO uses a in house Goya coffee syrup from there!

Things to Do in Colima

Basically, the syrup is orange based, with brown sugar and secret spices. The owner Angel (him on the picture) as he was making one of his best True Mexican Mocha! He told me the story of the origin- of their distinct home based syrup.

Traditionally in Mexico, when families and friends come over, hostess of the house serves from a big pot of coffee. But, before adding the coffee into the pot; they add all kinds of spices together and make it into a delicious and warm home based syrup. Yumm!

This coffee shop opened on a small scale not long ago while I was there last year. I believe the best places to eat, drink and stay over while travelling; are in the small businesses. Thank you KIOSKO for proving me right !

If you get the chance to visit the south-west water front, I definitely recommend to go try KIOSKO coffee 🙂

More info:

Visit https://www.altfiroasters.com/

3. The Food & Portland Farmers Markets

Saturday Farmers Markets

Every Saturday on Portland State University campus, there is a gathering of interesting, charismatic individuals from different cultures and oh! do they bring their best home made products for us to enjoy!

The Farmers Market vibes were awesome!. They are so genuinely kind, i felt like i was at home.

I can’t wait to come back here! and meet more interesting farmers from the local markets. Their vegetables and home-made products were super delicious!.

Here is a little hint for the type of products we will sell on our online store soon!

RAYNBLEST FARM

This lovely lady sold me Beeswax lotions, candles and creams they make in their farm. They are home-made and this product does wonder for scars, cellulite, and stretchmarks!

I’m the living proof that it works. I wear it twice a day and my stretchmarks from giving birth to two babies are almost non-existent.

As well, for people with skin problems and rashes, it does wonders! For example, my two year old now. She has Enzymatic skin problem. I’ve been using the Bee Rub on her, and its amazing! Its a great reliever for the itch and it also helps her by not leaving scars on her skin. In other words, it helps her stay moisturized, scar free and relives her from scratching. This works better by consistently putting on twice a day. But it works!

Not only because of it has natural properties but it does not contain any preservatives or chemicals. If interested go see them at the Farmers Market or check their Online store 😉 https://www.beerub.com

Blue Star Doughnuts

It was founded in Portland 6 years ago, starting with one store in the downtown area; then because the demand and popularity of their delicious doughnut increased. Then followed 6 more stores, which was the best way to go at the time for them. Now, they have stores in Los Angeles too!

They make really good doughnuts & obviously they invest a lot of their time in being creative to make even more delicious doughnuts! I tried the one made with bacon…Yep, surprisingly it was pretty good.

For my coffee lover’s, they are made with COVA (local roaster), one of the best roaster coffees in Portland. They are known for their single origin coffee (COVA made a blend especially for Blue Star). Another cool thing about Blue Star which make them truly authentic, they devote their time to find local roasters to serve with their tasty doughnuts, and stay true to their local communities where their store is located.

Don’t forget to stop by while you are on your excursion and have a doughnut for a snack! Especially, if you are planning to see most of the city in one day…

Pizzicato Pizza

By Pizzicato Pizza

Every month, Pizzicato offers a different kind of pizza. They feature it in their front displays on the weekends. They have four different pies out and on weekdays, there are 8 different pies out!

Gluten-free
Vegan
Paninis
Appetizer’s (Depends on month and season)
Own Catering

Everything ingredient is fresh and made locally. As well, as their own dough, pizza sauce and salad dressings, basically extra-yummy deliciousness because all is home based.

They are based in Portland and have different locations and local stores as well. They do a lot of local beers, local drafts, offer different wine selections and are known for making their own ciders!

They use eco-friendly packaging products, inside the store; they have added really cute and friendly messages around the vending machines. Basically, they encourage their clients to only use what they need.

Definitely worth to stop by after having a long day on the street car!

Thank you to the lovely staff for welcoming me and introduction me, to my now favorite spot to eat delicious and healthy pizza in Portland.

4. The City

There were some places I had the time to visit, some resonated the most to me and others inspired me a lot while I was in this beautiful city of Portland.

Eco-Friendly Transportation

Photo by Portland Street Car

This was the most convenient way to see the whole city and spend literately $10 on transportation for a whole day. It was amazing and the map its super easy to navigate and follow through the whole city. So, for a whole day my ecological foot print in Portland was pretty low thanks to Portland Street Car 🙂

When I couldn’t find my way back. Uber to the rescue! The nicest drivers and super friendly people, honestly loved everything about this city.

More info:

https://portlandstreetcar.org/

The Landscape

Photo by Umit Aslan

Favorites

Favorite Spots

The Museums

The rest of the day after visiting coffees and food, I had to follow my heart. I love writing but I also love science. So, I went into OMSI -Oregon Museum of Science and Industry. It was amazing, super educational and so entertaining too. Again, kindest people and they were super exited, when I would tell them I was writing an article about Portland. They offer to show me even more 🙂

Yep, I went inside a war submarine for the first time and it was awesome! It was a] bit claustrophobic, but the inside was so cool that after five minutes you forget you’re under water and inside a gigantic submarine!

Central Library

Super beautiful and magical, especially the kids section. Can`t wait to come back with my daughters!

Powell’s

For writers and heavy readers as myself. This place is heaven! It was amazing there were so many floors full of books and all kinds of goodies. Honestly, I left the store with less money that I was planning to spend but it was so worth it. I got books, essentials and gifts for my loved ones. Also, I was super happy with the service! Even though, the place gets so crowded at certain times, the staff were always very helpful and nice. Which is why I got good gifts to bring back home. Thank you!

Yep! The Wall of Famous Authors 😉

5. The Shops

PORTLAND’S BEST

Their Landmark of Mountain Hood and Punch Bowl Falls (to finish my book research) are my next goal to explore when I come back!

I’ll be using this list again too. I do have to visit Punch Bowls, didn’t get to go while I was there because back then there was huge fire on The Eagle Creek going around that area when I went. For sure, going back very soon! Until next time my beautiful Portland, Oregon 🙂

This table was courtesy from Benjamin. Thank you and I hope you find it useful like I did.

Breakfast	Tasty n Alder, Mothers, Sweedeedee, Broder Noord, Roman Candle
Lunch	Maurice, Clyde Commons, Porque No, Fireside, Food Carts, Grassa, Lardo, Boxer Ramen, LeLa’s Bistro (Pho & Vietnamese)
Dinner	Dame, Luce, Jackrabbit PDX, Afuri, Can Font, Coquine, Navarre, Hoyt 23, Luc Lac, Super Bite, Tasty n Sons, The Waiting Room, Ava Genes, Tusk, Pok Pok, Mediterranean Exploration Company, Toro Bravo, Shalom Ya’ll, PLAZA DEL TORO
Happy Hour/ Drinks	Cafe Nell, Paley’s Place, The Green Room, Angel Face, Multnomah Whisky Library, Jacknife, Pepe Le Moko, Clyde Commons, Jo Bar, Aalto Lounge, Sweet HereAfter, Whiskey Soda Lounge, Bamboo Sushi, Bar Bar, The Backstage Bar
Beer	Bridgeport Brew Co., Prost!, Deschutes Brewery, Fatheads, 10 Barrel Brewing, Burnside Brewing Company, Widmer Brothers Brewing, Lompoc Brewing
Coffee & Tea	Good Coffee, Courrier, Stumptown, Upper Left Roasters, Heart, Barista, Coava, Prince Coffee, Tea Bar,
Dessert	Blue Star Donuts, Salt & Straw, Maurice, Nuvrie, Papa Hyden
Shops	Parachute Home, Spartan Shop, Wild Poppy Goods, Association Shop, Aesop, Imogene & Willie, Le Labo, Steven Alan, West End Select Shop, Frances May, Woonwinkle, Alder & Co., Well Made Goods, Maak Lab, Seven Sisters, North Of West, Canoe, Beam & Anchor, Lowell, Schoolhouse Electric, Palace, Grand Central Marketplace, Rejuvenation, Back Talk, Madewell, Johan, Ace Hotel, Powells Books
Sights	Pittock Mansion, Japanese Rose Garden, Multnomah Falls, Vista House, Oregon Zoo, Forrest Park Hike, Sauvie Island, Cathedral Park, St. Johns Bridge, & Portland Art Museum, Hoyt Arboretum
Nightlife	Holocene, Barrel Room, White Owl, Jacknife, Splash Bar, Fifth Avenue Night Lounge, Departure, The Good Foot

If this article was useful please leave me a comment and share it with people that are planning to travel or want to travel to Portland. Thank you !

Costa Rica: The Tropical Paradise

2 years ago Adventure, Sustainable Traveling, Travel, TravelYep, WritersYepper's Journeys

By Writer Rider’s Samantha Cyr

From the moment I stepped off the plane, I fell in love! The overwhelming heat that makes your sticky, the abundance of vegetation, the tropical smell of humidity, the sounds of wild life, there wasn’t anything I didn’t like. The most striking was the laid back, relaxed way of the life; the “no care in the world feeling” that makes you want to stay forever… Pura Vida, the simplicity of life.

Photo by Anna Goncharova

While most land in San Jose, the capital, I opted for the less chosen path and landed in the north, in Liberia. A small town, used mostly as a transit point that allows you to discover the North, the South and the Coast through its bus terminal in the town square.

Costa Rica, located in Central America, with Nicaragua to the north and Panama to the south, is one of the most eco-diverse countries on the planet, boarding the Pacific and Atlantic oceans is a tropical paradise, offering you everything you could ever want. From relaxing beach stays to hiking its infamous volcanoes or soaring above its rain-forest canopy, there’s no doubt you’ll fall in love with Costa Rica.

Photo by Ruben Ramirez

Photo by Alvaro Hernandez

With two international airports, and daily connecting flight, getting there is quite easy. Travelling within the country is also easy with its simple, safe and diverse bus network. If your budget permits, renting a car is also a plausible option. The infrastructures are modern and with a GPS or even an old school map (that’s how I did it!) getting around is easy. A car also gives you the flexibility to discover the hidden gems you’ll miss on the bus!

Whether you spend a week or two or even a month, here are 5 locations I consider Costa Rica’s must sees!

Also, enjoy this article from The Telegraph about 29 reasons why you should visit Costa Rica – the world’s happiest country 😉

1. Arenal

Last active in 2012; this is Costa Rica’s most infamous volcano. Tucked away in the dense luscious rain-forest, this volcano is a definite must see! La Fortuna, the small mountaintop town is the starting point for most tours to the volcano. Hiking the side of the volcano is no easy feat, but it’s well worth the views and the chance to swim in the collapsed crater of Arenal’s sister volcano; Chato! End a day of hiking by relaxing in one of the many natural hot springs.

2. Monteverde

Translated means, Green Mountain and that’s exactly what it is. Explore the rain-forest like never before! Known for its famous “Cloud Forest”, its lush vegetation and diverse wildlife. More of thrill seeker? Don’t miss out on soaring above the rain-forest canopy on Latin America’s longest zip line at 1590 m long!

Photo by Ben Ostrower

3. Santa Teresa

Looking for a small beach town off the beaten path? Santa Teresa is the place to be. Made up of one main street, a few coffee shops and some local restaurants, Santa Teresa offers you an escape from city life, it allows you to relax and really enjoy the simplicity of life.

4. Uvita

A quaint, small town known for its whale tail shaped beach during low tide. It’s a great place for beginner surfers! It might be the best place to learn, but trust me you’ll whip out more times than you can count! Be sure to catch the breathtaking sunsets along the beach. At night, take a look up, you’ll see stars like you’ve never seen before. !

Photo by Jeremy Bishop

5. Puerto Viejo

As opposed to the two previous destinations, Puerto Viejo is located on the east side of the country, bordering the Caribbean sea and used as the transit point from Costa Rica into Panama’s famous Bocas del Toro Archipelago. Puerto Viejo embraces the Pura Vida, relaxed, no worries vibe and offers a much more typical Caribbean atmosphere. Be sure not to miss out on some of the best seafood dishes you can find! Enjoy a nice bike ride along the coast and visit of the many national parks.

Some Activities

Here is one of the best info from Lonely Planet- Costa Rica. It will help surfers and other looking for the thrive of the waves and/ or exploring the area.

Outfitters in many of the popular surf towns rent all kinds of boards, fix dings, give classes and organize excursions. Jacó, Tamarindo, Pavones and Puerto Viejo de Talamanca are good for these types of activities.

Costa Rica Surf Camp Excellent teachers with safety certification and low teacher-student ratios.
Dominical Surf Adventures An excellent source of surf lessons in Dominical.
Iguana Surf Playa Tamarindo’s stalwart surf shop has lessons, rentals and good tips.
Caribbean Surf School Based in Puerto Viejo de Talamanca, Hershel is widely considered to be one of the best teachers on the Caribbean side.
Pura Vida Adventures An excellent women-only surf-and-yoga camp at Playa El Carmen.
Pato Surf School A great place to learn in super-chill Samara, with relaxed instructors and agreeable waves.

Extra Tip

Last but not least, let us not forget the capital city of San Jose. And while it could be argued that visiting the city may not be worth it, it will serve as an important transitioning point during your trip. Besides being the bus terminal hub, San Jose does offer its visitors a variety of museums, be cultural, historical and art. Not to mention the colonial architecture that’s definitely worth checking out!

While Costa Rica, has much more to offer and many amazing places to visit, these are the highlights of what I believe should be done in a trip to Costa Rica. But who says you can’t go back more than once. Right?

If you liked this article, please go ahead and leave me a comment. I’ll love to read your experiences from your visit to Costa Rica.

What other places you recommend I should visit on my next trip back? Let me know 😉

Thank you! Until next trip!

Samantha Cyr

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