[quote name='io']Ha, I've driven around Atlanta and I wouldn't trade Portland traffic for Atlanta traffic for anything (or DC or LA traffic for that matter).[/quote]Fair enough. My problem were roads that suddenly became different or ended without notice. I've driven all around the country and have never had such a problem navigating to my destination as when I was in Oregon.
I considered that bad engineering. But your point about Atlanta traffic and the disasterous 3 hours I spent getting NOTHING accomplished yesterday around Jimmy Carter Blvd... you're totally right. The idiots here didn't plan for realistic traffic estimates. And they keep building more homes and shops in these tiny areas where the roads can't handle the volume of traffic just passing by. Add new traffic for those destinations and no wonder you sit around all day waiting to move four feet. argh.
Of all the places I've driven, Phoenix is the place. Nice roads, well-timed lights, highways and off roads to handle not just current volume but anticipated growth. Just so dang expensive to buy a home out there.
Wierd that you mention that Chinese Botanical Garden - I was JUST standing next to that this weekend (looking for something else). I've never been though, but it looks nice.
Dude, get a babysitter and take Mrs io some evening for a nice date. =D
[quote name='brianmoy']It is nice, I went and I'm an actual Chinese person. (if that means anything...) [/quote]Works for me. As much as I love our version of chinese food in this country I know it's nothing near to an honest meal in China. Having your stamp of approval validates my impression of the Garden as not something all commercial and gimmicky but something more authentic.
I did a game trade w/ someone who happened to be a volunteer at the garden so we met there and she let me in as her guest and gave me a personal tour.
True it looks small on the outside, but it seems bigger on the inside because of how they use the space and the lines.
What a great place to meet up with someone for a game trade!
And yes, they do make superb use of space.