Riding along the T: Porter

I like to think of Porter as a kind of distant third cousin you see on holidays. You want to seem them more often, and every Thanksgiving you exchange phone numbers and emails but the time flies by and the next thing you know a year has passed without the hoped-for visit. So it goes with Porter, the glorified strip mall that we always affectionately pass is actually our next stop.

When I mentioned the subject of this week's article, I was nudged by multiple friends to mention how "when you go up the escalator it's like finally seeing the light at the end of the tunnel." Or, sigh, to "talk about how when you go up the escalator it's like you're going into heaven." To that, all I have to say is: ye gods people! You want this dirt infested metal T-station as your invitation to St. Pete's gates? Feel free to find me making devil faces at you at the Dunkin Donuts across the street.

In that same bustling industrial Mecca, you can also find the wonderful Star Market with such fine amenities as shampoo under $5 (take that, Jumbo), health food (see earlier parenthesis) and, if you're lucky, chipper girl scout mommies selling cookies. I, myself, partook in the all new "friendship circles." And I must say, beware evil _ these pure of heart cookies will give you a run for your money alongside their mighty thin mint and tag-along peanut butter brethren. Oh, and if you eat the whole box in one day you also might get a tummy-ache.

Taking a stroll down the block, you can also find such staple stores as Dress Barn and Jennifer Convertibles. No, alas, they do not sell shiny red cars. They sell sofas. I know, I was both disappointed and baffled myself.

Porter did have some independent shops. The Mud Flat Gallery thrives under the same roof as the River Jhelum. They had some cute arts and crafts type stuff _ but I got kind of distracted looking at the Liquor World sign across the street.

Another personal favorite shop of mine is Vintage Etc. Not only does it have a "Duck Boy" as its mascot, but it is also a steadfast reminder as to why I'm not at Oberlin. By all means, I adore the vintage scene and greatly respect the old leather jacket handed down from my pop that hangs kinda weird in the back. But, everything in moderation.

In terms of eats, there are the distinct favorites like the Japanese Blue Fin and Cambodian styled Elephant Walk. Supposedly, they have some tasty and unique cuisine _ and if not, well hey you just ate at some place named after how elephants walk. Heh. Sweet.

But if you're more of a homebody, the Kotobukiya Market is certainly the way to go. With Asian market goodies of all shapes and sizes _ oh just go there and see for yourself will you?

Finally, for all you dogs out there the Tea-Tray in the Sky, which is a little walk down Mass Ave, will give you free doggie biscuits when you bring your owner. So give them this column, fetch me a fresh Daily and wake me up in time for class tomorrow. Good puppy.