Abby
Good day, and how do you do?
I hail from the east coast city of bridges, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. After studying criminology at a small women’s college in Pittsburgh, I fell for Portland because well, I never feel weird here, just right at home. I love that people here are generally so respectful of their city and the others who live in it. It’s also pretty fantastic that one can stumble across exceptional coffee and tasty treats every which way, no need to search! I love running in the parks and hills, spending paycheck after paycheck at Powell’s (NEVER gets old), playing video games at Ground Control and, though I’m repeating myself now, consuming as much coffee, beer and delicious vegetarian food that I can rationalize. I’d like to think that I have more travel ahead of me than behind me. I’ve been to Europe three times now, and have banned myself from returning until I visit at least one other continent. You, the guests here, are a daily inspiration to make travel happen!
What is your next travel destination and why?
I’d love to do some motorbike touring. I would, however, need a ladder to get onto a big touring bike though, so I think I’d like to head to South East Asia, find a rickety, little, vintage bike or small dual sport, and break down somewhere scenic.
If there is one thing you recommend to see and do in Portland, what would that be?
Get outta town! Don’t plan to spend one day less in the city, no sir, but plan to add at least one extra day to your Portland area plans so that you can experience some of the beauty and geographic diversity that our greater region has to offer. The scenery of the nearby coast, rivers, mountains, volcanoes and waterfalls stands on its own, as well as offers you an arena for all sorts of physical, outdoor activities.
What are the best ways to embrace a rainy day in Portland?
*Reading materials - Powell’s or Powell’s 2 (science and technical books, yeah!), Counter Media and Reading Frenzy (927 SW Oak St. and 921 SW Oak St. respectively, both just around the corner from Powell’s
*Games – play arcade games at Ground Kontrol (511 NW Couch Ave) or buy a neat new card/board game at Guardian Games (303 SE 3rd Ave)
*Comfortable place to read your books, play your games and/or relax and converse – the friendly Tugboat brewpub (711 SW Ankeny St) or the all-ages Backspace coffee shop (115 NW 5th Ave)
What’s your favorite bar in Portland?
One is The Bye and Bye at NE Alberta Street, mostly because they fix brussel sprouts there, and I will forever be delighted by the opportunity to eat brussels sprouts at a bar. The Bye and Bye is an all vegan bar, which is most conveniently located next to the Grilled Cheese Grill, in case a night of drinking isn’t sufficiently supplemented by a side of brussels (it rarely is).
What’s your favorite brew pub in Portland?
I think I have a favorite within one mile of where I am at any given time. Here in the neighborhood I vote for Lucky Labrador Beer Hall. Their Stumptown Porter is a personal favorite. A whole pitcher of it instigated my plans to meet some friendly British hostellers at their favorite beer bar in Amsterdam. A few months later we reunited at Cafe Gollum for a few more. Good things come from Lucky Labrador.
1945 NW Quimby
http://www.luckylab.com/index.html
Turn left out the hostel front door. Stay on 18th until you reach Quimby. Turn left on Quimby. You’ll find Lucky Lab on your right, just before 20th. 10 minute walk.
What’s your favorite thing to say in another language?
“Do you speak English?” I think a little worm ate the part of my brain associated with foreign language skills.
What do you like about working at our hostel?
The people. Guests and staff alike. By golly. This place receives a steady stream of interesting people! Bright, lively, hilarious and bizarre people! They educate and entertain me. Tis a happy place, HI-NW Portland.