We have now left Portland and arrived in Oakland CA just across the bay from San Fran. We are staying in cool victorian style house with people we found on airbnb which is a great alternative to couch surfing and hostels as you save money whilst also getting your own room (not just a couch).
On our last night in Portland we went out to celebrate with Morgan and Clayton. It also turned out that the people whose house we were staying in, in Oakland, were up in Portland so we arranged to meet up for a couple of drinks. Pretty random but thats how it goes. The night ended in the usual way with us hitting a couple more bars and making friends with the locals (i.e. three african dudes). This was followed up by Taco Bell which better get its ass to Europe and the Americans can take back Macdonalds and Burger King in exchange.
On the last day a goodbye meal was in order so the four of us went to a Hawaiian joint called Ate-Oh-Ate. Having never had hawaiian there were no expectations other than a recommendation from a Portland local. Hawaiian food is awesome and pretty cheap especially at happy hour. (It must be explained that it is always happy hour at some restaurant any time during the day and the prices plummet during these select hours both for food and drink). $2 veg curry and a pint of Mai Tai for $5. Cannot complain.
The girls discovered an amazing looking dessert and couldn't resist this Hawaiian Coconut Butter Mochi. Apparently popular in Asia as well.
Petra and Morgan with their rather strong Pint of Mai Tai
Delicious Mochi with homemade ice cream
Our chosen method of transport to get back to california was Greyhound bus due to the fact it was a hell of a lot cheaper than Amtrak and flying. Can honestly say that spending 15 hours on a dirty bus that smelt as bad as the other passengers on it was not fun. The aircon was broken and leaking water on the seats and simply put it is no wonder that everyone in the US drives cars. Public transport just isn't done here and is really saved for the few weirdos who we saw on board.
After no sleep we made it to Oakland greyhound station and got a cab to the house as we were pretty damn sick of busses by this point. Had no choice but to collapse and sleep for a few hours. We woke up when it was dark and went out on a hike across Oakland to find a Safeway (supermarket) and then went to a local Thai/Lao restaurant recommended by our host to eat as we couldn't be bothered to cook anything.
First meal in Oakland
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