Richmond City Walk 🏛️

Winter in the U.S. might not have the most stunning scenery, but since Richmond wasn’t too far, I thought: why not take a city walk and dive into its history? I started at the Virginia State Capitol and the surrounding civic plaza — classic Western architecture and gardens 🏛️🌳. After strolling around outside and taking photos, I entered through the visitor entrance on Bank of America Street. I’d read online that reservations might be needed, but I got in directly — maybe because it was a holiday and the legislature wasn’t in session. An elderly security guard at the entrance kindly showed me where the reception desk was for guided tours 🧓👮. I worried it’d be too challenging for my English listening skills, so I went in on my own. I read the descriptions, took some photos 📸, and finished in about 40 minutes. On my way out, I ran into a tour led by another grandpa (maybe in his 70s, walking slowly but passionately 🚶‍♂️). I wasn’t sure if it was a paid tour, but I lingered nearby… until he noticed and asked: “Do you want to join us?” “Can I?” “Of course!” So I joined and toured the Capitol again — and learned so much more! 🧠✨ He shared fun details, like which painting showed the Revolutionary War 🎨⚔️ (the big-bellied man was a British general, and the one on the white horse was Washington 🐎🇺🇸). So many interesting stories! After the Capitol, I wandered around the city: A peaceful riverside walk along the James River 🌊 An almost empty train station 🚉 (no crowds, hardly any trains) Architecture that felt more urban than “American rural” 🏙️ — but still pretty quiet. Maybe because of the holidays? #Richmond #Virginia #CityWalk #HistoryLover #TravelDiary