Happy Richmond-versary to us!

THREE YEARS?!?!  It has been three years since we packed up our Colorado house, moved our family across the country to begin this crazy adventure called medical school? I know that it is cliche to say but WOW time flies.

When we were searching for medical schools to apply to, our mantra was, "It's only four years, we can do anything for four years. Right?".  We weren't expecting to necessarily love our new city, after all it is so far from where we grew up.  We were expecting to be homesick for our mountains, familiar sights, friends and family.  And we were/are homesick for these things, BUT we were surprised to look around and discover that we, in fact, DO love our Richmond home. We have so enjoyed exploring the Virgina, the South, and the east coast.  This west coast girl's heart is forever changed...


Here are some of my favorite things about RVA


Our neighborhood, Church Hill.  I love the old houses, that I can walk to several great locally owned shops, and the smell of great BBQ that is almost always in the air.


The weather... most of the time.  There are times when it feels like the air is trying to smother you because of the humidity and when it doesn't snow until January or February it makes us homesick for snow. BUT the spring and fall here is AMAZINGLY beautiful. AND the snow melts really fast when it does actually arrive. 

 




The festivals.  There is always something going on.  Some of our favorites are the Kite Festival in March, the St. Patrick's Day Festival, the Bacon Festival in June, the Watermelon Festival, the Italian Festical, and the Folk Festival.  There are many many more and they all are a good time.

The history.  This is where Pocahontas, John Rolfe, and John Smith explored.  We live about a block and a half from where Patrick Henry gave his "Give me Liberty or Give me Death" speech. The Civil War History here is extremely rich as well, as Richmond was the Capital of the Confederacy.  There are plantations, battlefields, and museums galore.  After a short drive away you could find yourself at George Washington's birthplace, Thomas Jefferson's beautiful Monticello, James Madison's Montpelier, or Woodrow Wilson's presidential library. 

 
Nature.  Growing up in the mountain west, I was used to everything being sort of brown.  Here the flowers are almost always in bloom and everything is so green. All of the seasons are gorgeous in their own rite.  We never tire of spotting a little Cardinal friend.

 









The food.  I didn't know what I was missing.  The first restaurant that we ate at in Richmond is called "the Black Sheep" and it is still just as good as that first time.  But there are so many more that we love!  Some of our favs: Millie's, Hogshead Cafe, Proper Pie, Julip, Burger Bach, Don't Look Back, Alamo BBQ, Ronnie's BBQ, just to name a few. 





The parks. We live within walking distance to one of the best views in the city.  There are several beautiful parks right here in the city.  It is always hard to imagine that we are in the middle of a pretty big city when we are out and about exploring. 

The people.  We have met some wonderful people that have supported us on this journey and that is really what makes Richmond feel like home.  Our neighbors put up with our racous behavior and are friends are divine. 

Richmond has been good to us.


 As this could be our last year in this wonderful city, we are trying to savor every minute, every event, and every season.  There is a chance that we could stay here for Nik's next step in his medical education but there is also a chance that we will be able to explore and fall in love with something new, right now there is no way to know which way it is going to go.

Here's to a great last three years and to a great, nerve wracking, exciting, fun year ahead!