Portland , General info:
9/10

Portland is a city located near the confluence of the Willamette and Columbia rivers in the U.S. state of Oregon. It is Oregon's most populous city, and the third most populous city in the Pacific Northwest, after Seattle, Washington and Vancouver, British Columbia. Approximately two million people live in Portland metropolitan area, the 23rd most populous in the United States as of July 2006.

Portland , Cheap stuff:
10/10

Most things are pretty affordable in Portland! Apartments are pretty cheap for a city, public transit is very cheap and dining out is just as affordable!

Portland , Different stuff:
10/10

Portland's climate is ideal for growing roses, and for more than a century Portland has been known as "The City of Roses," with many rose gardens – most prominently the International Rose Test Garden.

Portland , Don't miss:
10/10

Pedalpalooza, an annual month long bike centered festival involving many group bike rides, including some like the burrito ride or the midnight mystery ride. POWELLS BOOKS is the LARGEST book store in north america. Yup, thats right the biggest one! Its in downtown on Burnside st. Set aside a few hours, if you come with friends make a meeting place cause this multi-floor 'city of books' is amazing for all! Queer folk come to Portland as there is a thriving queer community and really its a great place for people of all walks of life to come find a community of some kind.

Portland , Food:
10/10

During most months of spring summer and fall there is plentiful berry and fruits to be picked on Sauvie Island a short drive or healthy bike ride from downtown. Take your basket and go out to pick (and eat) as many blueberries, blackberries, strawberries, peaches, plums etc as you can. Also, Portland has famously delicious micro-brewed beer. Check out the Portland based brewery/restaurant/theatre spots of McMenimans. Youll find them around the city and nestled in historic buildings and old saloons. Most offer great food and delicious beers while a few of McMenimans even offer a heated pool, movies and live music. But really, any bar will have a local brew, just ask whats on tap. Portland is also voted the country's most "Vegan Friendly Town". Most restaurants have vegan and certainly vegetarian options in this town.

Portland , Hotels:
8/10

Check out the Jupiter Hotel for a wild take on hospitality, its adjoining restaurant the Doug Fir has fabulous food day and night, a fully stocked bar and great live music in the evening. Downtown offers many of the same hotels found in most cities around the country and world.

Portland , Safety:
9/10

Portland is a city, like any other but people are generally quite friendly and crime is not quite that high. Downtown is safe and the east side of town is mostly neighborhood based shopping areas, with no threat of crime apparent at all. This town is also BIKE FRIENDLY. But please be advised that helmets and proper front and back lights are suggested to make this safe. Bike lanes can be found all around the city and you can make it from one end of town to the other in just over an hour.

San Salvador , General info:
7/10

San Salvador is the capital city of the nation of El Salvador. The valley where it is located was earlier known as "El Valle de las Hamacas" because of its high seismic activity. San Salvador is the second largest city in Central America.

San Salvador is a powerhouse - the cultural and cosmopolitan heart of the country.it abounds with museums, cultural centers, bars and cafes. Six-lane avenues and glittery malls keep the city buzzing. What San Salvador lacks in colonial grandeur, it makes up for in class and personality. Wander through the Teatro Nacional, with its red velvet opulence and sensuous mural, or around one of the city's five markets; the interesting Mercado Ex-Cuartel has handicrafts, hand-woven textiles and ceramics.

San Salvador , Cheap stuff:
8/10

San Salvador is pretty cheap city, everything is affordable. Hotels and restaurants are cheap.

San Salvador , Different stuff:
10/10

Pollution remains one of the city's biggest problems. Located in a valley, San Salvador is a perfect pollution trap. Fueling this, the city struggles with an increasing traffic problem. New highways and arterial roads offer some relief. According to a study by the United Nations, El Salvador was ranked as the second worst polluter of carbon dioxide emissions in Central America.

San Salvador , Don't miss:
9/10

The national fiesta patronal (patron saint festival) is celebrated during the first week of August. Schools, government offices and most businesses close (as they do for all public holidays), and everyone goes on vacation. Religious processions, street fairs and colorful parades are held throughout the country, the celebration in San Salvador is the largest and the best.

San Salvador , Food:
10/10

The restaurant scene in San Salvador is influenced by many different cultures. food options include Italian, Korean, Japanese, French, Chilean, American, Peruvian, Mexican, Spanish, Middle Eastern, German, Chinese, Argentinian and others. Local food options include Tipicos Margot where one can purchase the famous Salvadoran Pupusas. Perhaps the biggest indictment against the quality of the San Salvador restaurant scene however is the sheer number of chain restaurants.

San Salvador , Hotels:
8/10

There are four main zones for accommodations: the city center (cheap, but a bit sketchy at night), Parque Cuscatlán (reasonably priced and much safer), Boulevard de los Héroes (the only place for hostels) and the area around Colonía Escalón and Zona Rosa (top-end, high-rise).

San Salvador , Safety:
9/10

San Salvador has had a history of violence. San Salvador was considered the most dangerous city in the world in 1992. Since the end of the civil war in 1992 San Salvador has not seen a reduction in crime rates. Today San Salvador, and El Salvador in general, experience some of the highest homicide rates in the world, it is also considered an epicenter of the gang crisis. Don't walk on streets that look abandoned and dark. Use only licensed taxis or rent a car. Walk in tourist areas.