It is always fun to see old things in a new way, or to see old things that we haven’t seen for awhile.  Today, we took the MAX train downtown, and then rode the Portland Streetcar into NW and back, stopping for lunch, as well as some other places along the way.  It is a little bit of a slower pace—we have to wait for the trains and do a little more walking than we would if we took our usual drive to the same places.  But, by taking a new route not determined by ourselves, we saw some new things, as well as seeing some stores and restaurants we haven’t seen—or even thought about—for years.  In our new perspective, we were also able to focus on the different architecture of the buildings as we rode along and some of the other things that are unique and special about Portland.  And, it goes without saying that the kids loved riding the trains!