Tuesday with no car

I woke before 7 and had some coffee. I had assembled the coffee the night before. I had only time for half a cup. I had written the blog the night before. I showered, dressed, and all that. It was a cool morning and I was out of the house with my hat and my book on Assyria. I walked to the end of Clarion Street, then headed south-ish on 209th, crossing four lanes (including a turning lane) on TV Highway, and finally stood at the TriMet 57 bus stop.

Only a few minutes passed before the busy rush-hour schedule of the buses brought a bus. It was not full, meaning I grabbed a seat by myself. This was still a new experience for me and was still exciting. I watched and only read a few words and texts on my phone. Within fifteen minutes, I arrived at the Transit Center Beaverton MAX station. I remembered to scan my phone (I had done that on the bus) to get a transfer (at zero cost) to the MAX. The MAX was not busy, and I sat and tried to read. I arrived at the Lloyd Center Mall and Park MAX Station (Lloyd Center is one of the Portland Zombie malls; it is trying to become an event center). Richard, after some dodging of construction, found me, and soon we were at his house.

We started to set up Tainted Grail, a cooperative role-playing board game. It is James’s copy, and he found a painted copy (there are lots of miniatures), and we have slowly learned the system and the story. The game designers use Aurthian, SciFi, and the creepiness of Lovecraft to create a unique board game. Richard, being a gamer, focused on building up his character and getting items. As a Druid, I was initially more interested in the story, but I have come to realize I need to improve my character’s combat abilities. I received some help from Richard during our play by joining his character in some battles, gaining rewards, and sharing loot. Richard’s character can craft items, and I managed to get some helpful items (though it is a bit random).

Overall, the game is becoming repetitive, and we are unsure what to do next. In many video games, players mine, farm, or fight minor creatures to gather enough power and resources to win tougher challenges. That does not interest me, but maybe that is not what is happening. James is on vacation, and I am traveling next week, meaning we will be taking a long break. We packed up around 1, and Richard dropped me off at the MAX.

Instead of returning to Bearveton, I stopped at the mostly gone Chinatown and walked up a block. There, I found that the Moroccan joint, Kasbah Moroccan Cafe, was open. I went in, and it was late for lunch; they had only two people eating now. This was a scan the menu and order at the bar place; much like Iceland and other areas. You bus your own table, too. I ordered their tea service (mint tea with caffeine and sugar) and their meatballs. This was served with an excellent but plain soup and in a roll filled with meatballs and sauce, similar to a meatball sub. But the food was outstanding (not a thrown-together fast food item), and reminded me of the best food I had in Casablanca a few years ago. Even the bread was special, freshly made, and toasted before being filled. I at first lifted it and bit, then, getting more silverware from the do-it-yourself, I cut the meatballs and bread into lovely bites. It was wonderful.

I cleared my table and walked out — I had already paid when I ordered. The man who took my money, and likely the cook too, said to me after I thanked him for the meal, “We make food that someone from Morocco would know; we don’t make shit like others,” he explained. He was standing outside vaping. I agreed, no shit served here.

There was a sign outside that said that sidewalks are for walking. Implying no camping in the restaurant’s entrance. These are new since Mayor Wheeler, who is remembered for being tear-gassed by the Feds in 2021 and ordering police to use so much tear gas that it became detectable in Portland’s moss (called “Tear-gas Wheeler”), retired. The new mayor has taken an intolerant view toward street and sidewalk camping, but has not started the tear-gassing; we have had mostly peaceful protests so far for Trump2.

Next, I headed to Ground Kontrol and went to flash my ID, but was told I did not need to be cleared if I was not drinking; I was not. Beer and other drinks do NOT improve my video game and pinball playing. I managed to play a few pinball machines. The Doctor Who machine was gone, but a stage magic one was a hoot to play. I played many games on it, but never scored enough for an extra play. A goal that I might someday reach, but so far quite distant. I also played some old-school games like Joust and a reworking of Asteroids in the more modern (and thus more expensive) game machine room. It was excellent to enjoy some old and new games.

After that, I walked to the MAX to get my steps (and I just missed the Green Line MAX) to Pioneer Square, which was fenced off for a concert. I soon found myself in a seat, reading and waiting to reach Beaverton. I left the MAX at the Transit Center and then tried to find my bus. I crossed the same street three times, only to see that the 57’s starting place was right in front of me. The 20 was first, and I helped folks read the sign. I boarded the 57 when it showed up and took it to 198th, then walked through the neighborhoods under a hot sun to get home.

I finished off some of the hummus, dolmades, and falafel from my previous order at Gyro House for a late snack. I decided to give up on Daredevil Reborn and instead watch The Day of the Jackel series. This is a reworking of the novel and movie by the same name, a favorite of mine. It is reset and effectively rewritten. The actors are excellent, with Eddie Redmayne and Lashana Lynch in the lead. I had trouble stopping and not binge-watching it all night. I like the story changes and the setting; it is a more modern story now with echoes to current politics and the usual billionaire villains or saviors.

I did the dishes, nothing for ants to find, and went to bed and quickly slept as I reached a new chapter in my Assyrian book.

Thanks for reading!