I’d one last day in Portland and the weather was just begging for a walk. I ambled over the Burnside Bridge taking snapshots along the way to Powell’s — I was moved by Ed Yong’s talk the day before and wanted to pick up his latest book, An Immense World.
While there I got a ping that Matt Jacobs was also in the store (thanks Swarm)! We met outside for a little catch up. I could’ve talked his ear off for hours but needed food and he was on a travel schedule to boot, but man — it’s nice when things line up all serendipitous.
Related tangent: I could assuage conference angst by reaching out to folks in advance to encourage such crossing of paths. I’m always operating in hindsight. There’s no reason I can’t aspire to adjust.
Did a loop of the Waterfront afterward and hopped on a streetcar to see the city in motion.
Closed out the day cracking Ed’s book and enjoying an exceptional meal at Oma’s Hideaway, which blends Singapore and Malaysian street food with good vibes (and cocktails). I kept Shazaming songs, over-ordered didn’t need a doggie bag. Everything was exceptional.
Each visit to Portland has always been too short — there’s something about this city that jives. I’d love to do an extended stay here.