An Ode to Richmond
Now that I'm moving out of Richmond, I have a lot to be grateful for and reflect on. My first full-time job at fueled my commute from The Fan to 1717 E Cary St. From scraping my knees packing boxes to reassuring shaky clients and learning what makes people tick, I learned a lot at Mobius Materials. There were many long hours, tons of progress both personally and professionally, and a wealth of memories to look back on.
I also spent a great deal of time at Third South Capital, getting to know my business partners. It started with Harrison taking me to lunch and floating the idea of my working as a contractor. One thing led to another, and soon I was spending every Sunday evening at Justin's house, sharing meals while he talked about his experience in Big Tech, the latest in team organization, and Buttondown's journey. These conversations were invaluable, as it built up my knowledge and also continued to build on the friendship we are forging. The amount of face-time I got with the Third South guys, whether in the office, on a walk, or even at Whole Foods, was something I enjoyed immensely. This will be the hardest part of leaving.
I spent countless hours walking around the city, especially in The Fan. There were so many beautiful walks, from my apartment all the way to the other side of Church Hill and back again. The walking was always pleasant. I could hear birds chirping, listen to people's conversations, and see families and friends enjoying the day. It's one of the most enjoyable places I've ever lived for walking, with streets lined with plants, flowers, trees, and animals. I will also miss the neighborhood cats that would walk up at night, meowing not for food but for a few pats on the head and belly scratches.
The Virginia Museum of Fine Arts (VMFA) was one of my favorite places to bring people. Not only is the permanent collection free, but it's an incredible collection, remarkable in both its quality and quantity. There was no shortage of grand pieces whispering a story into my ear, sometimes for hours on end. My favorite is Scotch Whaler Working Through Ice. Oil never looked so good as it did in 1878. And I can't fail to mention the Thursday Jazz Nights that bring the museum to life, the immaculate lawn outside in early spring, or the bottomless coffee refills in the café that fueled many weekend work sessions.
Richmond is perhaps at its best in the quiet moments. It was serene walking outside in the early morning before the city awoke, when dew was still on the trees and nocturnal animals were still out. The best time, however, was late at night, especially when it was raining. The smell of rain coming off the asphalt conjured images of Gotham City. Standing under the screeching and chugging of a passing Amtrak train in the dark, it sometimes felt like you weren't that far off from confronting Falcone yourself.
Another great thing about Richmond was biking everywhere. There are so many little trails, paths, and enclaves that aren't on any map, but were patiently waiting to be discovered. One of my favorite finds was a trail that led to an old mill. The rush of wind and the subsequent hike was incredible. It always felt like the city had these little nooks and crannies waiting to be found, and I found many of them. From small alleyways to parks hidden by looming apartments, Richmond had a lot to uncover for those willing to look.
As I plan my last days in Richmond, I want to go to the other side of the city one more time to see the view coming back over the James River. The view is undeniably beautiful, with the sun bouncing off skyscrapers, onto the rushing water eroding away rocks…Richmond is a lovely city, and I am glad this is how I remember it.