By John Wan
Photo by Zack Spear on Unsplash
WELCOME TO PORTLAND
Hey there, fellow translators & interpreters! Welcome to Portland for the ATA’s 65th Annual Conference October 30 – November 2, 2024.
I’ve been living in Oregon for a very long time now, and for the majority of the time in Portland. So I guess you could say I’m pretty much a Portlander. I’m thrilled to share my love for this city with all of you. Portland has a unique vibe—a mix of natural beauty, urban sophistication, and a laid-back, friendly atmosphere.
If you’re flying in, as you prepare to land at Portland International Airport, the view from the sky is truly something special. If you’re lucky enough to have clear weather and a seat on the left side of the plane, you’ll catch a breathtaking glimpse of Mt. Hood (the highest point in Oregon) standing majestically in the distance. The lush greenery sprawls out below, showcasing Oregon’s rich natural wonder. The new PDX main terminal, which just opened in August, will be welcoming you with its impressive wood structure, mirroring Oregon’s natural beauty. This warm, inviting design perfectly captures the essence of the state’s lush landscapes. Be sure to take some pictures there!
OCTOBER WEATHER
Late October in Portland can be a bit of a mixed bag weather-wise, although not in a bad way. But again, as a local I might be biased. You’re looking at temperatures in the mid-50s to low 60s °F. Rain is always a possibility, so packing an umbrella is a good idea. Autumn in Oregon is actually my favorite time of the year, as it always reminds me of the time when I first arrived. The fall foliage will be in full swing, making the city even more beautiful.
GETTING AROUND
Portland’s just the right size—not too big, not too small. With a population of about 650,000, it’s got plenty to do without feeling overwhelming. The city is very walkable and super bike-friendly, and public transportation is good, so getting around is not difficult. A 40-minute ride on the MAX light rail (fare is $2.50) will take you from the airport to the conference venue. An Uber/Lyft ride would take less than 20 minutes and cost between $20 – $40. While you’re in the city, you can also use the shared bikes as a way to get around and tour the city. (Download the Biketown app.)
THE HUMONGOUS PARK
If you’re looking to escape the hustle and bustle without leaving the city, Forest Park is the perfect destination. As the largest urban forest in the U.S., it spans 5,200 acres and features over 70 miles of trails. You can take a short stroll or an extended hike until you get lost in the woods. If you’re also a runner, Forest Park is ideal for a trail run. I’m always amazed that I can enjoy genuine trail running right in the heart of the city. Nearby, you can find the Japanese Garden, renowned as “the most beautiful and authentic Japanese garden in the world outside of Japan.” It offers a serene retreat with its meticulously curated landscapes and tranquil atmosphere. Also close by is the Rose Garden (free to visit), home to over 10,000 rose bushes. Together, Forest Park and its neighboring gardens offer a delightful natural escape right in the heart of the city. Oh, by the way, Portland is also home to the smallest park in the world.
POWELL’S CITY OF BOOKS
Powell’s City of Books is a must-visit in Portland. This iconic bookstore takes up an entire city block. The knowledgeable staff can help you find whatever book you’re looking for. Even if you’re not buying books, it’s a cool place to explore and get lost in for a while, as it holds the title of the largest bookstore in the world, if I’m not mistaken. The coffee shop inside is a perfect spot to relax, read, or simply people-watch.
FOOD CART SCENE
Portland’s food cart scene is legendary. You’ll find food carts all over the city serving up a world of flavors—you’ll never run out of options. It’s a delicious and affordable way to experience Portland’s diverse food culture. Each food cart pod offers a different mix of cuisines, so it’s easy to find something that suits your taste. The variety and quality of the food carts have made them a beloved part of Portland’s culinary landscape.
NO SALES TAX
Shopping in Oregon comes with a nice bonus: no sales tax. For a local shopping experience, I suggest going to the PSU Farmers Market and the Portland Saturday Market. The PSU Farmers Market offers fresh produce and homemade products, while the Saturday Market is the largest continually operating outdoor arts and crafts market in the nation, featuring unique handcrafted items and delicious food.
BEER AND COFFEE CULTURE
Even non-drinkers like me know that Portland is famous for its craft beer scene, with God knows how many breweries in the city. I’m sure there’s something for every beer lover. If you’re more of a java person, Portland also boasts a robust coffee culture, with numerous independent coffee shops and roasters serving up expertly crafted beverages. You won’t have to settle for the ubiquitous coffee chains.
INSIDER TIPS
For more tips on enjoying Portland, check out the “Project Portland Potpourri” guide by OSTI (Oregon Society of Translators & Interpreters). It’s got more recommendations and insights from your local colleagues who know the city best. Be sure to check it out.
AGAIN, WELCOME!
As someone who’s called Portland home for more than two decades, I’m excited for you to experience Portland. I hope you have an amazing time. Welcome to Portland, and enjoy your stay!
Based in Portland, Oregon, John Wan has been a court interpreter since 2009. He became a Certified Mandarin Interpreter in Oregon, Washington, and California after passing the court certification exam in 2014. Since then, he has gained significant experience interpreting during lengthy trials and depositions. John is also qualified to interpret in Federal Courts and Immigration Courts.
Originally from Taiwan, John completed his college education and military service before pursuing graduate studies at Oregon State University, where he earned a master’s degree in Statistics. With over 20 years of experience as a software analyst/engineer in the IT industry, his technical background complements his interpreting skills, enabling him to excel in providing high-quality remote interpreting services.
John currently serves as the membership chair and website administrator for the Oregon Society of Translators & Interpreters (OSTI), where he is also a former board member. He is an active member of the American Translators Association (ATA), the National Judiciary Interpreters & Translators (NAJIT), and the Northwest Translators and Interpreters Society (NOTIS).
For the latest updates, John’s profile is available on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jwanchinese
Edited by Fang Sheng and Sijin Xian.
Great! Thank you.
Thank you, John, for the information. A job well done! I’d just add that in the heart of Portland city, there is a beautiful Chinese garden, Lan Sun, a copy of a Ming Dynasty garden in Su Zhou. It is as exquisite as Liu Fang Yuan (Garden of Flowing Fragrance) in Los Angeles.
Thank you, Frank. I’ve been to the Lan Su garden many times and loved it. I wish it’s bigger, though.
I visited it only once and loved it, though it occupies only one block. Personally, I think it is prettier than the Japanese garden and the rose garden.
Frank
Thank you, John, for the information! I can’ wait to visit Portland now!
Thank you, John! Thanks to the information you generously shared and your hospitality while we were there, we had a wonderful time in Portland during the ATA65 conference this week. Over 50 CLD members enjoyed a safe, fun and unforgettable couple of days.
Nothing beats being together in person. Looking forward to seeing you again next year and beyond!