Back in the day, this was just a parking lot and now it’s a huge residential building. Downtown Charlotte is stil reeling from the real estate crash. Those $400K condos that weren’t even worth even half their price are now selling for their actual value. This provides quite the predicament for those current owners. It’s the same predicament for people buying into the Vue. Will their appraisals actually match the sales price especially since appraisers aren’t in the banks’ back pockets anymore?
I finally get to enjoy a fixture in Charlotte history: Green’s Lunch. You can see how the skyline is soaring in height in the background while this building stays small and low to the ground.
The interior definitely has an old school feel. Barstools line the side for workers stopping in for a quick bite. The avocado color is tell tale of the timeframe.
John goes for the classic hot dogs with crinkle fries.
A common sight in downtown Charlotte is folks touring around on Segways.
John and I are strolling through and happen upon the Bon Odori festival which our local Japanese Festival. I’ve been to these festivals in the past so it’s a nice surprise to see it again!
Of course this Japanese tourist will blend right in.
The inside is decorated with festive red and white and lots of flags.
Various booths are set up to share aspects of the Japanese culture.
The main draw is a drumming act on stage complete with some slapstick humor.
Around these parts, we have three flags: NC, USA, and Japan. What a harmonious group!
John runs into a friend who shares some of his authentic Japanese snacks with us.
Even though we accidentally stumble upon this event, it’s obvious that many people planned to be here.
Many vendors are eager to sell small Japanes toys and machetes.
I pose with some toys.
You can’t have a Bon Odori festival without Origami.
We have our fill of the festival and take the colorful skywalk across the way.
John shows off our souvenir Pocky Sticks – almond and chocolate covered waffle sticks. Delicious and flavorful!
The afternoon ends with some fun chats while watching the rain.
You never know what the next adventure will be when you walk out the front door especially when that front door is downtown.
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Is that guy selling swords wearing an eye patch? That’s not a good sign.