Charlotte

14 hours and 690 miles on the Carolinian train from New Jersey to Charlotte, North Carolina. Passed some famous places: crossed the Potomac river near Washington and the FBI training centre at Quantico. Amtrak food not too bad. A very tasty pesto and mozzarella sandwich. Even a palatable vegan burger. 

It's hot and humid here so I went out early the next day for a walk. The city centre is modern and clean and not really a tourist destination. Charlotte has grown enormously in the last 10 years spreading out into the surrounding countryside. It's popular for conferences and big sporting events plus serves as an important financial centre for a lot of banks etc. 

I was here to meet Sharon, an old school friend. She took me out to the Anne Springs park where we walked along a few trails including this historic route.

We sat chatting and by the miracle of modern technology had a video call with a mutual school friend out in Bolivia. First three way meeting in about 50 years.

Hummingbird feeding from sugar water container on the balcony.

Had a lovely meal with friends out on the veranda being deafened by the cicadas and frogs. 

Next day walked past some book related street decoration to the Mint art Museum.

Some interesting art inside too.

Early start tomorrow for the train back to Massachusetts via Washington.

Inside Washington Union Station