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By candace kramer, November 9, 2011 1:51 pm

As many of you know, I am a BIG fan of mass transit,  so when I got to see the fabulous Stockholm Subway system I was in awe! Amazing art, prehistoric bed rock walls, 21st century technology all co-existing beneath this beautiful city!

It has been called the longest Art museum in the world with 110 km (approx. 68 miles) of lines!

The bedrock walls have been left exposed in many areas which provides an intriguing juxtaposition to the man made materials and technology. I love how art has been incorporated! It’s everywhere!

Here is a great video of this incredible labyrinth of art and trains…

Pretty cool right? Hope you are having a great week!

Images via here and here.

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By candace kramer, June 1, 2011 2:09 pm

Hello friends! Hope you had a fantastic holiday weekend. We went on my favorite quick getaway and caught the train up to Seattle. I absolutely love the train ride – reading magazines, sipping wine and just relaxing. By the time I arrive, I have unwound and I’m ready to enjoy the city! Traffic and parking can really burst my weekend escape bubble…Speaking of trains, I recently headed over to the Oregon Rail Heritage Foundation site to discover an exciting event coming up on June 30th – The Willamette Bridge groundbreaking – which will bring light rail, cyclists and pedestrians straight by the Engine House & Rail Heritage Center. For more info go here.

Okay…on to Seattle…We stayed at the fabulous Hotel Max. This place is all about art and photography – featuring 39 local artists! Each floor has its own vibe and influence…we stayed on the Rock n’ Roll floor!

Images via here

With its eclectic mix of luxury, art and culture we would definitely stay here again and I love that it’s sister hotel – Hotel Lucia – is right here in Portland.

Okay, now for a couple of my fav restaurants that we hit…and yes, a little I SPY bathroom design to boot!

For a decadent French breakfast complete with a cocktail happy hour, you can’t miss Toulouse Petit Kitchen. I had to have a French mimosa with my crispy beignets and pork cheeks confit with eggs! I told you it was decadent!

image

Think of funky-bistro with a bayou twist (so fun) and the bathrooms didn’t disappoint either…

Honey hued with a mix of tile, stone and bronze the bathrooms were very elegant. I love the little detail of the fleur de lis in the flooring. So très French…

For dinner we headed to Barolo Ristorante…Glamorous and sexy with a good dose of modern Italian flair…this place is a must!

Images via here

The food was impeccable, with an impressive wine list. It’s a hot spot for sure…just look for the flashy cars pulling up to the front!

On to the gorgeous bathrooms…dripping with glitter and shine…I just love the beaded curtain below the counter top! Genius.

Image via here

It was such a wonderful weekend and by taking the train we avoided all the hassles (and pollution) of driving the car. Consider taking the train for your next weekend getaway.

Now all we need is one of these…

Image via here

Meet China’s amazing new bullet train…I’m dying to ride this one! This would get me to Seattle in about an hour! Get with the program Amtrak! Seriously!

Where have you traveled by train? Did you enjoy it?

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By candace kramer, January 6, 2011 3:38 pm

By now, I’m sure you have realized that I am really into mass transit. I try to incorporate it into my life locally and whenever I travel. It not only decreases our carbon footprint it unites communities.

As a real estate agent, I am actively involved with my clients and their changing needs. When people want to move, transportation is a major topic. While marketing beautiful condo units like 555 Second Street and the Stafford Commons – it is obvious that mass transit is extremely important to these buyers. One of their first questions would be, “Candace, where can I get on a bus?” or “Where is the future street car going to be?”

Many of my buyers who are downsizing want to completely change their lifestyle. They want to be able to walk to the market or the park. They want to rely on mass transit and leave their cars in the garage. They want to ride their bikes more! They desire healthy, active and accessible community living. I love it! It’s the way it should be. The most beautiful cities in the world are built upon these ideals. Portland being one of them!

The Lake Oswego Streetcar is a hot button topic right now in my neighborhood. I’m sure you can guess how I feel about it but, like any major change that involves a lot of money, it is inevitably controversial.

For more info check out this recent article by Steve Duin from the Oregonian. Go here to the Lake Oswego Project page for more information, how to get involved and an overview of the three options that are being considered. Want the nitty-gritty details? Check out the Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS). Get comfy…it’s long!!! A glass of wine may be needed!

In the meantime…here are some shots from my European Mass Transit experiences….

This is in Prague! Trolley, streetcar and cabs all on the cobblestone streets! Love it!

Little ole' me waiting for a train in Halsatt, Austria! Europeans really get mass transit!

What are your thoughts on mass transit? Is their enough of it where you live?

Have a fantastic Friday!

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By candace kramer, November 18, 2010 11:17 pm

You all know how much I love trains and one of my favorite trips is up to Seattle via Amtrak.  It is time to relax and read, sip some wine and watch the scenery of fall colors pass by. Remember that freak fall day when it was 70 degrees out, well off I went to catch the Picasso Masterpieces from the Musee National Picasso, Paris at the SAM museum.

Image via mike

I stayed at the boutique Hotel Andra, which is a beautifully restored building that blends its history with modern style…

Image via Hotel Andra

However…the surprise inside was the – yes, you know, the bathroom! I had to do a little I SPY bathroom investigating!

How exciting to see a shower with no curb! How thrilling to see a handicap/accessible, spa inspired bathroom looking so glam! A small space with sooooo much in it!

Mirrors, mirrors- a girl can not have enough! Perfect wood cubby shelves are tucked into the corner and provide amble storage, right at  eye level!Aging in place, showers with hand held sprays and grab bars. I love the gray slate next to the mosaic shower tiles. Fabulous contrast!

It is the LITTLE things – like a towel bar that does double duty with glass shelf.

Hotel Andra - modern & classy – close to all the action downtown – lets go!

We visited a most impressive outdoor park – the Olympic Sculpture Park, – map. This amazing piece of land crosses both a freeway and train tracks! What an ingenious way to beautify the landscape that slices through the city’s industrial structures.  With its outdoor sculptures and manicured grounds that vary in scale and texture, it’s a must see in any season!

Architecture, landscapes, sculptures, sunshine, I am in heaven, time for some wine…

Be sure to visit all of Tom Douglas restaurants, the Dahlia Lounge & Lola are close by and have this northwest/Asian fresh seafood scene. Small bowls full of glorious creative concoctions!

Images via Lola

Be sure you take a mini vacation – the Northwest has so many treats in store for us- where have you been lately or where you like to go?

Have a great weekend!