Trip Report - Portland, Oregon - July 5th - Voodoo Doughnuts, Saturday Market, Washington Park and Japanese Gardens

We started the day by taking the MAX (light rail) to the area near Voodoo Doughnuts and the Saturday Market.

Voodoo Doughnuts

This doughnut shop is famous for its unique selection of doughnuts. You will see people carrying the distinct pink boxes everywhere in Portland. One guy told us that people have been known to stand in line for over three hours. Fortunately, our wait was not that long.

The signature doughnut, with a gooey red filling.

I only bought two doughnuts. I pretended that the little guy above was someone who annoys my sister-in-law, and bit its head off. I also bought an apple fritter, which I ate later. I swear it was one of the best apple fritters I have every eaten.

One of the haiku in the memorial garden

While part of the party stayed at the Saturday Market, Harry and I walked to the Main Post Office to mail some things. On the way back we walked past this small park near the river dedicated to those Americans of Japanese origin who had been interned during the war. The rocks were carved with haiku written by those who returned home.

A young lady selling handmade jewelry.

The Saturday Market is a large area with market stalls selling everthing you could imagine. We were only able to explore a small part of it. I should note that 'Saturday Market' is also held on Sundays.

Then we took the MAX to Washington Park, and from there a tram to the Japanese Gardens.

Koi and iris

A small tram took us up the hill from the shuttle stop to the Japanese Gardens, where our group joined a tour led by a an expert in Japanese gardening. This is really a lovely place.

After dinner at a so-so restaurant near our hotel, some of our party went back to the Blues Festival, while some of us called it a night.

Note on Portland Public Transportation: Some years ago when Harry and I visited Portland transit was free in the downtown area.  Although this is no longer so, the price was extremely reasonable. Those of us who are seniors ("Honored Citizens") can get an all-day pass for $2, which will take you almost anywhere on a bus, tram, or light rail. Wonderful!