I spent the last long weekend with friends in Portland, Oregon, sort of a mini-vacation within my vacation. And as anyone who knows, knows, going to Portland is really all about going to Powell's City of Books. For anyone who doesn't know, Powell's is the bookstore that takes up a full city block (I'm talking now only of the main location on Burnside, not the other stores, or the cooking and gardening Powell's, or the small outlets at PDX). I have spent many an hour on many a trip to see my Oregonian-dwelling connections, just wandering from department to department (well, room to room, but each room being larger than many bookstores I've been to.)
Interestingly, I've found that I can no longer bring myself to buy anything at Powell's (or at any other bookstore for that matter), and can't quite figure out why. I keep thinking that the selection isn't what it used to be, but it could also be that I am now searching in different, more specialized areas than I used to. Or it's just a combination of moving too many times, and weeding out masses of books each time, and more efficient use of my local library. But, in any case, let my minimalist stinginess affect you not, and viva Powell's!
5 kommentarer:
I'm so jealous! I really want to go to Powell's. It seems silly to go all the way to Portland, Oregon, just to go there but, one day, I will.
Yep, can't deny it...Powell's is cool. But if it helps you to justify going there, Portland is otherwise a very pretty town with a lot of good restaurants, and a good cultural atmosphere. So you wouldn't only be going to Powell's.
I so love Powells - I don't buy much either but I think its because I'm so overwhelmed by the selection.
I have never been to Portland or Powell's. I do love bookstores and it's sounds like I could find a little corner of heaven there. you are such a little globe trotter, aren't you?
vanessa - I know what you mean! I get overwhelmed by the geography of the place, and tend to get lost...I carry a store map with me at all times.
daphnewood - if you like bookstores, then you would love Powell's. And 'globe trotter'? *blush* You charmer, you! I must confess, I don't see myself that way...but I like it!
addict - hey, so we were almost neighbors over the weekend! Is Oregon as nice to live in as it is to visit?
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