stop to smell the roses

apparently Portland is the city of roses.  who knew?  we've spent the last few days relaxing and winding down.  this is a great city, it's geographically small and manageable on bike, it's weird, has great local food and extremely green.  the only place i can compare it to is new zealand.   

we've truly enjoyed our hotel, the monaco, especially the happy hour from five to six where they sample the local brew and guests are allowed to paint.  our masterpiece will hang proudly in our hall - it's the first time we've painted anything (other than our house) since childhood.  and since we've arrived out west everything has been upgraded - the tinny car to a full-size, the regular hotel room to the suite; good times.  

the food has been great, especially at clyde common.  the coffee is great.  we went to a local brew pub, the deschutes brewery where sarah feel in love with a rose hip infused seasonal brew and dave the black butte.  

off to get a close-up of mt. rainier and hood.

peace.