My Day in Richmond, Virginia

I am from Manhattan, New York and spending almost a month in Richmond, Virginia was a breath of fresh air for a native such as me. I didn’t wake up in a small room and leave the apartment in a rush. Just to wait in line to get a cup of coffee. Never once was I honked by a cab driver while I was crossing the street. I didn’t miss the subway plus the five rushing people behind who keeps on pushing me to get into the train car. I am thankful that for the southern feel of hospitality and the laid back way of life that even in for a brief time I had experienced. There was no too close to a stranger for comfort ride inside an elevator. It’s either this in Brooklyn or you have to wait for the next one just to get to your desk to work.

If it was your first time in Manhattan, one couldn’t stop looking up. The skyscrapers, the people, the cabs, the shops and restaurants — it was like I had a high from the city that felt like it would never go away. But the buzz wears off after you’ve been here for a while. You get caught up in your day-to-day life: work, home, favorite restaurant/bar, sleep. Wake up and do it again. Repeating - a continuous cycle.

But here it was different. Richmond is a visually appealing place to live. It is beautiful but a bit rough around the edges. Gorgeous old architecture abounds but so do vacant lots in some areas. There's certainly an artsy and quirky vibe in some parts, due to the presence of a large art college in the middle of the City. Downtown Richmond is anchored by Virginia Commonwealth University, which draws a large crowd of younger part-time residents. But this college town (also home chapter 13 bankruptcy attorney richmond va to the University of Richmond) has plenty to offer families and older residents, as well. Each of Richmond's neighborhoods exudes a unique personality, from the historic 19th-century homes in Church Hill to rustic farms and family-friendly suburban communities in the outlying counties.

I simply love how Richmond takes pride in their local business whether it’s restaurants or retail. The streets wherein they open shop aren’t clogged with chain restaurants and the usual malls. It's a paradise for people who love the outdoors... what many consider the heart and soul of the City, the James River, runs right through the middle of Richmond. It offers whitewater for kayakers and rafters, fishing, swimming/sunning, and whatever else you like to do in the water.

It may be hard to get to know at first but for me, the journey is worthwhile. As the saying goes, “Virginia is for lovers “ – and that means no matter who you are, what you love or how you choose to live your life, Virginia has a niche where you can belong. Someday I will be back to learn more new things about the Richmond. All in all, it offers a lot in a small package and in the future, it will nearly meet more that it’s potential.

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