In this episode of "Sleepless in Singapore," I recount the second half of my US road trip with Markus, from Nampa to the Mexican border. After a hearty dinner in Nampa, we set off early for Portland, capturing the beauty of the Blue Mountains and Mount Hood along the way. Portland welcomed us with its vibrant food scene, from marrow bones at LeChon to a memorable breakfast at Proud Mary Cafe. We explored Powell's Books, indulged in local delicacies, and even braved the cold on scooters to pick up my driver's license, much to Marcus's relief.

Continuing our journey, we marveled at the giant trees in Redwood National and State Parks, enjoyed a cozy barbecue in Eureka, and admired the picturesque views of Mendocino. Napa Valley's rolling hills and wineries offered a taste of luxury before we crossed the iconic Golden Gate Bridge into San Francisco. The city's rich culinary landscape, from In-N-Out Burger to Burma Superstar, and the haunting history of Alcatraz left a lasting impression. Despite the challenges of homelessness and the pervasive smell of marijuana, the trip was a tapestry of unforgettable experiences, scenic drives, and culinary delights.

Links:

• LeChon — A downtown Portland restaurant offering South American-inspired dishes with a focus on shared plates.
• Mount Hood — Beautiful mountain in Oregon.
• Proud Mary Cafe — An Australian-style cafe known for its specialty coffee and hearty breakfast options.
• TokyoSando — A food truck in Portland specializing in Japanese Katsu Sando sandwiches.
• Powell’s Books — One of the largest independent bookstores in the world, located in Portland.
• Departure Portland — A modern Asian restaurant with a rooftop terrace offering panoramic views of Portland.
• QuarterWorld — A classic arcade hall in Portland featuring a variety of vintage and modern games.
• Redwood National Park — A series of parks along the coast of Northern California known for their giant redwood trees.
• Flow Restaurant — A restaurant in Mendocino offering ocean views and a menu featuring local ingredients.
• RamenGaijin — A Japanese restaurant in Sebastopol, known for its ramen and other traditional dishes.
• Screamin' Mimi's — An award-winning ice cream parlor in Sebastopol, known for its unique flavors.
• Voodoo Doughnut — The magic is in the hole!
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