Portland enters a new era… with me!

Tonight, at the end of 8 years of a sometimes funny, often juvenile, and frequently divisive run, we’re saying goodbye to Portlandia.

That era has spawned a spirited, and frequently bitter discussion^{1, 2, 3, 4} about the perception that Portlandia damaged the city it spoofed. Gentrification has been happening everywhere — I’ve seen it first-hand in San Francisco — so I’m not certain the show is to blame. I’m empathetic, and have rejoiced in the Keep Portland Weird vibe In which I’ve soaked on previous visits to PDX.

Why am I telling you this?

Because I’m heading up to Portland, Oregon, next week for a consulting contract. I ought to be there half a year. I’m sure adventures will follow :-)

Portland isn’t a completely new experience. Carmella and I have visited PDX a couple of times over the last few years.

Each time we stayed with a friend on Mississippi Street (a very nice neighborhood). We loved the lush gardens, explosive number of food carts of all cuisines, walkable sidewalks and quaint storefronts, and very nice people.

Besides advancing professionally, this’ll be a great chance to experience all of the Portland and Beaverton neighborhoods and all they hold. I’m very excited! I’m sure many posts will follow.