Really? Having lived in and around Pasadena, California all my life, the mention of City of Roses only means one thing…..Pasadena, California. The Rose Parade. The Rose Bowl. But, no. Portland, Oregon is also known as The City of Roses ( in addition to Little Beirut, Rip City, Stumptown and a few other crazy nicknames….).
So today our train trip took us to the International Rose Test Garden and the Japanese Garden. Getting there is easy. We took the TriMet MAX Light Rail to Washington Park Station. From there you can hop on bus 63 or the Washington Park free shuttle. We took the bus on the way up and got to watch our driver do a needlepoint of her dead cat while waiting for the appointed time of our departure. And we were able to enjoy the fumes of our fellow passengers pot remnants in the interim as well. Win! Win! On the way down we took the free shuttle and our driver Orion was able to give us a full dissertation on the art of archery…..being that she is named after the prominent constellation. I assume her middle name is Nebula but you don’t want to ask a girl like that too many questions. We got enough information by just sitting there acting deaf!
The Rose Test Garden is beautiful and the aroma matches that. So many different varieties. Rose trees, bushes, hybrids, ones named after famous personalities and a few covered in bees. Ramps and stairs to get around. Many benches to sit and soak it all in. And need I say…..dogs are permitted! No entrance fee. Go early to beat the crowds.
Then across the street to the Japanese Gardens. Being good Oregonians we bought a membership. Tickets are under $20 and less for seniors. It was just as you would imagine. Peaceful. Meditative. Restful. (Well there was the 1500 ft incline to get there and the stairs and the uneven stepping stops……and unattended Alex running and screaming through the people…..but basically restful).
Back on the train headed home. No train robbery but there were about 15 transit police that boarded to shake down the passengers. They caught a full stringer on this expedition. Oregon doesn’t have sales tax so they have to collect $$$ through other avenues. This one will cost you $175. Better to buy the $2.50 all day pass.
A beautiful day to enjoy The City of Roses…..
Pamela
