Cowbright: Portland, Maine

Our ship docked in Portland, Maine early this morning. It feels great to be back in the US!! After breakfast we were required to do a "face-to-face" with port authorities in order to get our passports back. Afterwards, we walked into the Old Port area which was perhaps a mile or so from the ship. We did a little ‘look around’ and like other times, walked back to the ship before lunch.

Not trying to brag, but the high in Portland today is 71 degrees. Part of the reason we chose this itinerary was to escape the heat, and I must say we have done that. However, I know it is waiting for us when we get home. Thank the Lord for the rain we've had at home - and for AC!

view from our ship

Portland is the largest city in Maine, its economy relying mostly on the marine industry and tourism. The city boasts many old buildings and I would say is still in need of some restoration in spite of some very nice areas as well. Its city seal is a phoenix rising from the ashes, as it has suffered 4 devastating fires, the most famous being the Great Portland Fire of 1866 which destroyed a huge portion of the city and left 10,000 people homeless.

It now boasts nice hotels and restaurants, museums, antique shops, art galleries and nightclubs. Like any large city, it also has its share of homeless and street people. Parts of the Old Port area look nice and modern while other parts could use some updating or restoration. The streets are trashy in some areas. At least that was our impression of the area around the port. Photos below - just keepin' it real.

United States Custom House

Portland City Hall

old vs new happily co-exist

brick streets in the Old Port

in a public park

overflowing garbage

no money here

out of business

an attractive business in the Old Port

spare some change?

sit a spell?

Ronnie was getting really thirsty, so this donut shop had the little pick-me-up he needed. A pink lemonade for him, a mocha latte for me and 6 warm cinnamon sugar donuts to share! (they were small, I promise)

Eighty-8 Donuts

It’s quiet on the ship this afternoon. Ronnie is out running, so he’s a happy camper. I’m in the lounge because even in port, internet is sometimes crummy in our room. Other people in the lounge are playing cards and working puzzles, while I’m sitting up here with my computer sharing photos that I snapped from the morning walk.

Probably the most interesting photos I took were at the fish market.