Creative Exploration to Canada & New England - Portland

What I saw of Portland from our balcony in the early morning:

After an early breakfast with Lori, Pat and I left the ship to spend the day wandering the streets of Portland, one of my favorite New England cities.  We bought day passes for the buses, and saw a lot that way, hopping on and off as the mood struck.

We visited the Maine Historical Society, Victoria Mansion, Longfellow House and the Maine College of Art.

 In a shop window, a new use for a cigar box

 I meet a new friend (and he doesn't talk back)

 Victoria Mansion

 The gallery inside the College of Art

 Another look at Victoria Mansion

 Statue of one of Portland's most famous native sons, the director John Ford

When we were in the College of Art, we wandered into the cafeteria looking to buy some lunch, and were surprised when we were welcomed in and weren't asked to pay.  Turned out that it was Friends and Family weekend, and I suppose we were thought to be visiting students.  Great lunch, by the way.  I really do love this place.

That night we decided to eat at one of the specialty restaurants instead of the dining room -- Johnny Rockets, and for a surcharge of a mere $4.95 we got this:

And were entertained by the singing waiters (doing YMCA, of course):

And were treated to a beautiful sunset as the ship slowly left Portland behind.

Tomorrow, Bar Harbor and our second class with Tim.