Just a quick shout out to the Portland Aerial Tram! I went up for the first time yesterday and am sold. It’s no Space Mountain mind you, but I think it’s a really cool addition to the city. Something I definitely have to work into my movie. One step closer to that Jetsons’ city of the future…

I have been sending a bunch of the hotel’s guests there, it’s so easy to get to from the Hotel DeLuxe in Downtown Portland. Just a short walk down Yamhill to 11th and then 1 block south to Taylor and catch the Portland Streetcar. The streetcar will take you all the way down to the South Waterfront where you can catch that crazy aerial tram ride.

If you haven’t ridden it, it’s worth the trip. Stuff of interest:

Cost: $4 round trip
Duration: 3 minutes each way
Length: 3,300 feet
Speed: A leisurely 22 mph
Hours: M-F 6 a.m.-10 p.m., Sat 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Sun 1 p.m.-5 p.m. (May 20-Sept. 16 only)
Frequency: Every 5 mins (last one goes from the lower terminal 15 mins before closing)

For more info, visit their web site (like I just did…): http://www.portlandtram.org/

Keep reaching for the stars!

I realized another good side to not driving—I can stop in for a drink at the Driftwood Room before heading home. Genius.

Zach (who works in guest services at Hotel deLuxe) had told me that I had to try “The Coburn,” named after actor James Coburn (see Affliction [1997, Paul Schrader] but avoid Sister Act 2: Back in the Habit [1993, Bill Duke] at all costs). It’s got Canadian Club whiskey, orange Curacao and a dash of something called Fernet Branca(?).

Verdict? Great. I tried it a couple of times just to be sure.

Seeing as I should know the menu, in case a guest asks, I figured I really need to try all of the house cocktails (all named after Hollywood actors or characters). Next: “Brando’s Exile.” Ah, an offer I can’t refuse.

cheers,

Lance

I got my car back finally. But the boss is gone, at his son’s graduation or something, and I’m just not sure about this other guy. I just don’t trust dudes with tattoos on their knuckles.

Plus, the price of gas has gotten out of hand. It’s up to over $3.30 for regular now! I need collateral just to fill my tank.

So I’m thinking I’ll just stick with Portland’s light rail system, Max. From my girlfriend’s place out at Orenco Station, I just hop the blue line all the way to the door of the Hotel deLuxe. Pretty easy. Less than 30 mins and only a couple bucks.

If you’re at Hotel deLuxe, you can catch Max around the corner. Or you can walk a couple blocks down 15^th till you cross over the freeway into Fareless Square, where Max and the buses are as free as walking.

happy travels….

- Lance

PS> let me know if you find gas for under $3….