Dziem's Reason For Doing Anything At All: Train Trip Day 3: Destination Chicago

7:45am Downtown Portland

Although the room was awesome and the king size bed was like sleeping on clouds, I had a hard time sleeping last night because it was so incredibly quiet. For being swamped with bars and clubs, downtown Portland is very quiet. Or maybe being 10 stories up made a difference. Or maybe I had soundproof windows?

7:50am Downtown Portland

I started this morning with a scrumptious breakfast, via Mother’s Bistro and Lounge. I found the restaurant on Yelp. It was about 2 blocks west and 1 block north from the hotel. It opens at 8am so I hurried to the streets to find the restaurant. The streets were clean and empty. Weather was a little wet, but no umbrella needed. All the shops were still closed; it is Sunday after all.

Breakfast at Mother's Bistro & Lounge

Once I got to the restaurant I knew it was going to be good. The décor was incredibly cute. It had a clean cottage feel to it with several crystal chandeliers falling from the tall ceilings. And the all servers wore tacky – yet cute – Christmas sweaters. The host greeted me in a sweater he made himself decked with a live wreath. I asked him how the pines are fairing, he stated that it was still too early to tell but he hopes that if someone was looking for him, they can just follow his pine needle trail.

I knew I wanted to try the French Toast covered in corn flakes. I also ordered mango fused herbal tea; which came out hot pink. I questioned it at first, but after the first sip, I felt the instant aroma of herbs and tinge of mango flavor lingering on my tongue.

Memorial at Willamette River

I finished and headed out to the Willamette River where I decided to scatter some of Nick’s ashes. Upon reaching the river I noticed a large memorial that looked like it might be dedicated to the Navy. I was somewhat right. It was the Blue Star Memorial dedicated to the U.S. Armed Forces. I admire men and women in our Armed Forces and I believe they should receive as much benefit as they can once they are released/discharged from their post.

Blue Star Memorial

When I reached the edge of the park where a long rail bordering the river and me, I took a handful of Nick’s ashes out and said a prayer before scattering him over the water. Right as I did it a flock of geese flew by and honked. Coincidence? Yes, definitely. There were several waterfowls around the park. A flock of seagulls flew pass me when I was taking pictures of the memorial as well.

Willamette River

After scattering Nick’s ashes, I headed back towards the hotel to charge my phone and get ready for 10am Sunday Mass. I just want to be sure that I go to mass in case I don’t get to attend one while on the train Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. I found the church 2 blocks south of the hotel. Not bad considering I didn’t research it prior to booking a room. Must be a sign.

St. Andre Bessette Catholic Church

The church was smaller than any church I have ever been in. Even the one I attended while in college in Riverside was bigger than this church. This church, Saint Andre Bessette, was only able to accommodate 50 people. Still, it was a good experience. I was also the only minority in the room so they knew I was from out of town. Before mass started, everyone came up to me and welcomed me. It was the sweetest thing. Towards the end of mass, I snuck out as soon as the final song hit it's last note. I didn’t want to answer any more questions about who I was and what I was doing in Portland; kind of reminded me of the time I went speed dating.

Saint Andre Bessette Catholic Church

Weekend Market

I went back to the hotel to rest up a bit before heading back out. Since I was due to check out at 12pm, I asked the hotel if they can store my bags while I take a look at the Weekend Market that I found earlier this morning. The hotel was wonderful and said they will store my bags in their deposit room where customers store their valuables and I wouldn't be charged for it. Awesome! It pays to be nice and courteous to your host.

Weekend Market

The weather was still wet when I headed towards the Market. The Market took up a few blocks; vendors were aplenty. They were busy with last minute Christmas shoppers and tourists like myself.

I was able to pick up a few items for my co-workers, but the bitter cold and light showers got to me. I walked back to the hotel around 2pm and headed to the train station.

The station was also cold, but at least I was dry. I met a fellow nomad at the station. He was young and was going on the same route as I was, except he was going backwards. We happen to talk because he needed help looking for a pub called Bagdad Pub. He asked if I was from around Portland and I said no, I was just stopping in for a day and am now heading to Chicago. His face lit up and he pulled a paper from his pant pocket. He showed me a map of the US and in red was the train route he was taking. I laughed and said I have the same route. He gave me a high five and told me that I am the first girl he met who isn't afraid to travel alone. He then left after I gave him directions to the pub. This, my friends, is what I am about.

I wrapped my fleece blanket over my legs and waited until 4pm to check in with the station master. I boarded the train around 4:45pm and we are now on the move. Nothing exciting will happen tonight since I will be on the train for the next 2 days. I am expected to arrive in Chicago on Tuesday before 4pm, then hop on another train to Washington D.C. at 6pm.