I am back in the states for a couple of months before I move move back to Europe. I’ve had fun popping back into my hometown of Portland for work and visits with friends. My lovely friend Dara (above with Baggallini’s Grace Tote) was kind enough to host me. This tote is so awesome because it fits a laptop but it’s sleek enough to dress up or down. Whenever I visit Dara, we love soaking up the dreamy Portland summer days by cycling around on our vintage Raleigh bicycles! Yesterday we did the Pedalpalooza and it’s such an amazing feeling when the bicycles overtake the roads. Portland in the summertime is a dream with overflowing wild gardens of poppies, mock orange, and roses, leafy green trees lining streets, and the sun shining like crazy (always a novelty here)! I usually head to Portland from the Columbia River Gorge.
I love taking Amtrak train #28, “The Empire Builder,” that goes right along the Columbia River (highly recommend!). I always pack headphones because when I look out the window along with a soundtrack, it feels like I am living in a film! I also bring my favorite reading materials, notebooks to jot notes down, sunglasses, and a hat. I am a true Portlander, and although I love the sun, I have to protect myself from it as I am heat sensitive.
I love this little red backpack from Baggallini, “The Excursion Sling” comes with a change purse for carrying your phone or extra small items. It makes the perfect pack for pedaling!