Jamison Square — Attraction in Portland

BEST splash park / wading pool for babies and toddlers during the summer time!!! This public park is architecturally beautiful with blocks of stones stacked up and lined up in an open space that is surrounded by tall buildings in the Pearl District of Portland. What is more amazing is how the designers integrated the idea of a splash park / wading pool into the elements of the park. The water gushes out of and in between the stacked up stones to make stream of little waterfalls. Sometimes the water flows stronger and sometimes weaker. Sometimes the water does not drain and it forms a temporary wading pool that is slightly lower than knee high deep. At other times, it just drains out the water really quickly. The result is just simply a lot of fun! There are signs that help warn parents to tell their children not to drink the water. To my surprise, the smell from the water reminded me of the chlorinated water from swimming pools. The smell was not strong, but it kind of provided me with a sense of assurance that it was not dirty or contaminated with germs. There is everything to love about this...

The squares in Portland are great for two activities I do often; eating lunch and people watching. Jamison is a small square but with plenty of seating. Its an open brick courtyard with several decent trees on a green grassy area and 5 or 6 doubled-up (back to back) park benches along the the side walk. Set in amphitheater style with big stepping stone structures for sitting on, or performing. On my last visit I watched a woman striking dramatic poses for selfies. And a man in his 40's was walking around carrying his pants and desperately asking everybody if they had a bar of soap he could use. I usually observe something amusing in the squares. This wasn't the first time I had seen this man in a frantic state carrying his pants.

There's also a statue of a bear in there. Always a little unexpected, but I find...

My daughter suggested Bastille Day, which was hosted at Jamison Square. Firstly, the waffles were to die for. I have never had such high quality waffles before. The price was decent as well. Homemade vegetarian baguette sandwiches, yum!! (albeit a bit pricey) Live French music, families playing in the water, sunshine. The only beverages offered were wine and spritzer water. That was a bummer as I don't drink alcohol and I wanted plain ol' water. Small issue for myself. I always carry my own water, but I can see how this would be an issue for others. Added bonus, a most handsome French man. Seriously, the most gorgeous man you've ever seen. You could take pictures with him for a fee. I passed on that, but definitely noticed he was gorgeous. Lots of women gawking, lol. All in all, it was...