There Is beauty Here

" Richmond Sucks, nothing ever happens here"
"What is there to do in Richmond dude? let's go somewhere else"
"Damn, going back to Richmond"

I moved to Richmond in 2007. It was my first impression of an American city, and I loved it. I thought it was beautiful with a lot to offer. There were (and still are) the occasional parts of town I would rather not  be at midnight but what city doesn't have these places? It is not perfect, but it is certainly not the worse.
Still, throughout my time here, I have heard more negative than positive about this promising city. Everyone compares it to major places like New York and Washington DC. I am not an expert on American cities but I'm pretty sure most would not compare to the big apple.
 No, Richmond is no New York. No, it does not have as many impressive buildings and monuments as Washington DC... but all you have to do is step out of your bubble for a day to see what this city has to offer, and I bet you would change your mind about it being so "boring".

I got tired of hearing everyone talk about how they would rather be somewhere else. Was it really that helpless? Is there really nothing to do in Richmond?
It is important to mention that attending VCU opened my eyes to the possibilities surrounding me. There, I learned that around every corner, there is a lesson to be learned. The secret was to keep an open mind and a resilient personality. So I called my friend, got in my car, and drove down to what is in my opinion Richmond's most beautiful feature; the James river.

The James River is Virginia's largest river 

We decided to explore from the Pipeline bridge area.

The Pipeline walk has been open to the public for about five years, but not many people know about it. It is a very nice spot to get away and clear one's mind. 

It also offers beautiful, serene nature and wildlife in the middle of the bustling city. You can see anything from blue heron and osprey to beavers and bald eagles. If you sit on the rocks long enough, it is a free show! 

(The Herons were having a really good day, hence all the pictures)