-- Randal L. Schwartz, Perl hacker
Be sure to read my standard disclaimer if this is a reply.

Hmm... time to start thinking about what tutorial I want to do next year - that's the only way I can afford to be there.

"The first rule of Perl club is you do not talk about Perl club."
-- Chip Salzenberg

Yeah, me too. My wife and kids want to go this time (as it is, after all, in Portland) so I think a couple of 3-hour slots are in order if I want to maintain Domestic Tranquility. :)

Luckily, while there's nothing to be done about plane fare, the hotel rates look to be darned cheap compared to last year, and the hotel's in the middle of the city so getting to it from an outlying hotel (which may be cheaper still) shouldn't be a problem. At least lodging, then, will be inexpensive. Well, inexpensiveish, at least.

Portland has a first-rate zoo, your kids will love it. There's also OMSI, the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry. Don't think it's a typical dusty museum, it's full of hands-on demonstrations of scientific principles and very kid-freindly. Growing up in Oregon, my family went almost every year. Even in my cynical punk rock days, I still enjoyed a trip to OMSI.

Your kids will love it.

-Logan
"What do I want? I'm an American. I want more."

Portland has a really good light rail system, and it's free within the downtown grid. Despite this, I'd suggest renting a car, cuz Portland isn't a walking town and cabs do not abound.

For those of you who've never been to Portland, do not miss Powell's Books. It is simply the best book store in the world. Just go. Trust me. There's no sales tax in Oregon. I suggest you abuse this fact.

Portland has two things that set it apart from everywhere else: Great coffee and great beer. This is a good opportunity to explore both. Wired and Drunk. Ahh, that's Portland.

Must see stuff includes:

McMenamin's Pubs. These are fantastic brewpubs. The food's good, the beer is first rate, and the atmosphere is casual and freindly. Some of these places have the ultimate feature: theatres. Yes, you can get a pint of good beer, a burger, and watch a movie. I'd kill to have one of these in Silicon Valley.

The Church of Elvis. Past its prime, but worth a visit. And, if you're so inclined, you can get married by the King himself for only $25. By Grabthar's hammer... what savings!

Portland also has a great music scene. Satyricon, has been Portland's home for Punk Rock since 1983. Nirvana played here before they were !!!!NIRVANA!!!!, and you can still see some of the Northwest's best bands bashing out three-chord rage every night. Incongruously, Fellini's, the restaraunt next door has amazing food.

Oregon's Blues scene is also not to be dismissed. Curtis Salgado, Dan Reed, and Robert Cray are local boys. If you're lucky, you'll find them jamming in a local bar.

Enjoy Portland. It's a nice town for the 12 weeks in the summer when it isn't pissing rain.

-Logan
"What do I want? I'm an American. I want more."