What does heaven look like to a bibliophile? (335/365)

by The Philosophical Fish

December 1, 2015 – Looking up looks very similar in Portland. I could be in Vancouver’s Gastown here. I am at a conference about 30 minutes south of Portland, but before things got underway today, a couple of us hopped in a car and drove up to the city for a short poke around town. While the city has a similar feel to it as other Pacific Northwest cities like Vancouver and Seattle, Portland has something those cities does not.

There are two things that I wanted to do here in the short time I have available.

#1. Powell’s Books in Portland Oregon. It’s a mecca for bibliophiles. I’ve ordered books from here, but it’s way better in person.

The store boasts over a million titles in stock. That’s hard to believe…until you set foot in the place, and then all you can think is “That’s all?”

The place is overwhelming, it’s the first time I’ve ever been to a bookstore that comes complete with a foldout map….and I could have stayed here all day. The fact I walked out with only two books is a testament to personal willpower.

I need to come back…with more time available.

We will see if I get a chance to visit the second place I want to, maybe tomorrow, maybe not at all, there may not be time.

I'd love to hear from you :)

11 comments

Deer Brother December 2, 2015 - 7:06 am

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laura.sch December 2, 2015 - 7:42 am

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laura.sch December 2, 2015 - 7:43 am

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Open your eyes<:::::::::::::::::::::::::::: December 2, 2015 - 7:49 am

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konstantin.tilberg December 2, 2015 - 8:59 am

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opal c December 2, 2015 - 4:56 pm

Or, it could be certain areas of downtown Seattle…I love the old buildings and light standards. Nicely done.

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opal c December 2, 2015 - 4:58 pm

ohmygosh! I also love Powells. How you limited yourself to two books is amazing…..but just being surrounded from top to bottom and all around with books for as far as you can see is the experience! Did you see the Dr. Marten boot sign across the street? lol

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mjk23 December 2, 2015 - 8:52 pm

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Free 2 Be December 3, 2015 - 7:45 am

True… very similar again.

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Free 2 Be December 3, 2015 - 7:47 am

What an amazing place!!! I could spend an entire day there! The limit was because I am just here for a couple of days for a conference, and I flew, with only carryon luggage…and I had to leave room for the beer I intend to stuff in there…. So two was better than none, and there is a beer priority in effect 😉

And yes, resisted Dr. Marten’s across the street. I used to buy them a lot, but I’m more of a Fluevog person these days…though I do still own a few pairs of Doc’s 🙂

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PDXJohnny99 aka Gnarly Kaufman February 8, 2016 - 4:37 am

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