March 8, 2010
Flying
Boarding an airplane for an international flight instantly takes me away both physically and mentally. For the last 35 years I have flown from the United States back to my native Amsterdam at least once a year. There is no trip which so completely relaxes me, and washes away all the worries and anxieties of everyday life so quickly. It truly is the beauty of flight, of being lifted away from the ordinary, to be whisked to a new place and a new life. Or, in my case, to a reminiscence of my old life! Read more »
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March 5, 2010
Congrats, Haiku Winners!
The I Love to Fly Nonstop Contest has come to a close and we would like to extend a huge thank you to the nearly 700 participants who submitted a haiku and a congratulations to the ten finalists for all your hard work (see all the finalist submissions here). The votes have been collected and tallied, and it is a pleasure to announce your winners: Mike Donovan and Raquel Benito! Read more »
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February 26, 2010
Photo Diary: National and State Flowers
While many European countries do not have an official flower, the Netherlands has lovingly adopted the tulip. Locals celebrate the country’s favorite flower during events such as the Queens Day and Tulip Time Festival. Tokyo, on the other hand, has two flowers: the famous cherry blossoms (the unofficial flower) and the Chrysanthemum. Portland is often referred to as the “City of Roses”, but the state flower is actually the Oregon Grape. The plant produces small bunches of yellow blossoms and then unveils small grape-shaped fruit. This plant is not safe for eating, however, so enjoy its beauty from afar. Read more »
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February 22, 2010
Haiku Finalists Announced!
It’s true! Thanks to the hard work of the I Love to Fly Nonstop haiku contest judging panelists, the top ten finalists have been chosen and are awaiting your vote.
All contestants were judged on the following criteria:
- Quality of story to illustrate why the contestant loves to fly nonstop internationally out of PDX
- Fulfillment of the assignment
- Quality of writing
- Something special/extra – the “wow” factor
The I Love to Fly Nonstop Contest received over 650 submissions, but there could only be ten finalists. Now’s the time to decide who your winners are, but you will only be able to vote once, so choose wisely. Submit your vote on the I Fly Nonstop Facebook fan page here. Without further ado, here are your finalists: Read more »
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February 15, 2010
A Travel Writer’s Take on Amsterdam
I have one of those jobs that allows me to live anywhere. It also affords me the chance to explore the rest of the world when I’m gone. I’m a freelance travel writer, and I moved to Portland in summer of 2007. I’d been living happily in New Mexico up until that time but felt compelled to try something new, and considered a number of great cities. Read more »
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February 1, 2010
Keep Portland’s Competitive Edge
As a business development manager for one of the leading travel management companies in Portland, I see on a daily basis the impact direct flights to Europe and Asia have on my business and on Oregon’s economy.
These flights are important because they allow me to provide clients with diverse options, and they help companies save time and money — this is key to a successful business. Read more »
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January 19, 2010
Haiku Your Way to AMS or TYO
Have you always wanted to tour Amsterdam’s famous art museums or update your wardrobe in Tokyo’s shopping district, but just haven’t found the opportunity? Well, we have a haiku for that:
This is your big chance
AMS or TYO
Submit your haiku Read more » -
January 15, 2010
Photo Diary: Art Museums
Last week we shared photos of some less conventional artwork scattered around Amsterdam, Portland and Tokyo. This week we’re featuring the indoor art institutions. You’re probably familiar with the Rijksmuseum, Portland Art Museum and Tokyo National Museum, so we’ve chosen a few others: Museum of Contemporary Art Tokyo, Pittock Mansion and Scheepvaart Museum.
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January 8, 2010
Photo Diary: Public Art
When’s the last time you walked down the street and saw a traffic sign made into a piece of jewelry or a train station seat decorated with iron ivy? Public art is certainly not new to society, but it continues to catch our eye and has made it to this week’s photo diary. Art lovers may travel to famous galleries and museums to experience an artist’s fusion of color, texture, paint, metals, and creativity, but in Amsterdam, Portland and Tokyo, you don’t have to travel far (or inside) to see art sprinkled throughout the city. Here is a sampling of the more familiar public art displays you will find in each city. Read more »
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December 18, 2009
Photo Diary: Shopping Districts
Whether you’re at the peak of the holiday season or perusing for the perfect souvenir, make sure to scope out these famous shopping venues in Tokyo (Ginza), Amsterdam (Magna Plaza), and Portland (Nob Hill). Read more »