Six Months in Richmond

Maybe a hair over six months, but have been here since February. Actually two prior trips; first an apartment hunting (and general look) around the area which was a great deal of fun, and second a company December tour of the factory, and a bus trip to see "The Tacky Lights Tour". That last was a great deal of fun, and took a lot of the edge off of the move. Had to figure that a city that came up with something like that, had to be a good place to live! I plan to see that again this holiday season. I also (as I did in the Louisville-Charlotte transfer) checked out internet sites such as City-Data.com, and even RVA Blogs (which impressed me enough to start this blog, a very positive introduction to Richmond, Virginia from its residents). Additional information came from a Richmond Chamber of Commerce packet which was full of information.
I came here in February, usually go back to Carolina every other weekend, also during vacations, and frequently for three day weekends as well. I do enjoy driving in Richmond. For one thing you don't see quite so many people with cell phones in one ear, a coke (or a burger) in the other, driving 20 over the speed limit (that would be the Charlotte area). When you do see people blasting along as I have noted, especially on the I-85 section from Petersburg to the NC border you usually see those cars again....parked in front of the car with the flashing blue lights! Course another thing of note is that the roads are pretty rough here. Over the last six months, I have learned where many of the pot holes are, and drive accordingly. Not sure the seat belt law is to prevent you from injury in a crash, or to keep you from flying through the top of the car.
That said, I have enjoyed exploring Richmond. The Capital is amazing, designed by Thomas Jefferson (how cool is that!) and with a great statue of George Washington. In fact Richmond has some great monuments. Monument Avenue is a must see, and in fact there are many statues around town. Richmond has a great sense of history. A real history lesson is the Hollywood Cemetery which has many great figures of Richmond and US history buried there. An added feature is the great views of the James River.
I have enjoyed the Civil War cites. Old Petersburg is worth a walk, as are sites such as City Point, Five Points, and Ft. Darling. The best of all though has to be Petersburg National Battlefield, I spent many hours there checking out the various sites of the battles. Of the ones I have seen here, that was the best as far as preservation and presentation. It really made the Civil War come alive in a way that books and movies just can't. I also enjoyed the American Civil War Museum near Canal Walk; a nice museum.
Canal Walk was pretty neat. A nice idea, probably be worth another look, though is never really crowded. Belle Isle I saw for the first time last weekend, that is remarkable...and will be back to that. Took me a while to really explore it (did that for the first time with my wife) but a lot to discover and enjoy there.
As I have noted not a food critic, but places that stand out where The Boathouse, Bottom's Up Pizza, and Buz and Ned's. Something else that was kind of neat, while checking out the Chesterfield County Airport saw the line at the buffet there. Getting a haircut a couple of weeks later, the barber mentioned that as a great place to eat. Respecting people with razors at my neck, I went back, and it was really good at a good price.
People have been friendly, the city has been very interesting, and there is a lot left to see here. Its been a quick six months. I only wish my co-workers would take more of an interest...they seem to feel that its enough to find the way to work and back, and the nearest Wal-Mart. That however is their loss; for me, this is a very interesting city with a great deal to offer, and I have only scratched the surface.
As for problems; only a few minor ones. Some billing problems with Comcast (since resolved) and some minor apartment hassles. To this point, my stay here has been trouble free and fun.