PEOPLE WATCHING AT PIONEER COURTHOUSE SQUARE

Strollers at the Square

Looking rather like a Roman amphitheater, Pioneer Courthouse Square sits smack in the middle of action in downtown Portland.  I visited this area for a couple days last week when the sun was pouring down on this vibrant city park. Here I found strollers, runners, bikers, skateboarders, children, artists, and of course folks of all ages. 

Pioneer Courthouse facing Pioneer Courthouse Square

Named after the historic Pioneer Courthouse which stands in the adjacent city block -- it has gotten the official nick name as Portland's Living Room. This is a place to come and relax while in the heart of the city. Often special events are held here. For me it was the place to visit to watch folks. 

Holding a box and thinking you know where you are headed is a technique that I feel could have dire consequences. I'm sure this woman held the box up to her face as she walked past me as she did not want her photo taken. I wasn't going to take her photo but when the box went up in front of her face -- then I had to take her photo as it made me laugh.

Weaving carefully among the walkers were occasional skateboarders -- they were very considerate of others. 

 One shoulder backpack

Carrying a purse seemed to be very passe in Portland. I only viewed backpacks and computer bags. I liked the idea of backpacks as one may have a camera or computer or phone paraphernalia plus maybe a book or two to carry when out and about for the day.

Talking, walking and looking

It was a fun day to sit and watch the "flavor" of Portland pass by.

The square, about the size of a city block, is ranked as the world's fourth-best public square by Project for Public Spaces, bested only by two squares in Venice and one in Siena, Italy (wikipedia).

For more info on the Square click here.