Last July, Argentine forward Lucas Melano signed with the Portland Timbers. Melano, who grew up playing for local club Belgrano and most recently played for Club Atlético Lanús, had never traveled outside of his native Argentina before coming to Portland. Timbers.com recently caught up with Melano and asked him about how he's settled into life in the Rose City.
Q. What were your first impressions of Portland when you arrived last season and now that you have spent some more time in the city, what do you think of Portland?
Lucas Melano: My first impression was good. At the beginning, everything was new: the language, the city, the people. Now that I have spent some time here, I know I am in an excellent place.
Q. Portland has lots to offer when it comes to food, culture, outdoor activities, etc. What are some of your favorite things to do and places to hang out when you have free time?
LM: The truth is that Portland has everything...rivers, mountains, snow, sunshine, beaches. It offers a lot of things to do. I love getting to know new places and spending my free time outside connected to nature.
Q. Last season you joined the team in the summer. Now you have the whole season and lots more time to explore Portland and beyond. What types of things would you like to do and places would you like to see that you haven't yet?
LM: The past year after I arrived, I got to know the city. I traveled and I fell in love with many places. So this year, I hope to be able to repeat those experiences. I don't have a favorite place. So far, everything that I have gotten to know, I really enjoy.
Q. What are some of your favorite places to eat in the city and why?
LM: I love going to restaurants. They all have their own different characteristics. I really enjoy Piazza Italia. It has a great fútbol environment and the food is great. I go there often.
