Among Friends - Richmond Friends Meeting: Fill & Download for Free

It depends on what part and where you in the Philippines you are, but overall, yes. For every unfriendly Filipino you'll meet 999 friendly Filipinos. Cebuano speakers are the friendliest I have met. Specifically those from Cebu and Leyte. Kapampangans are the next friendliest I have met and they have the best food. The Manilaites (Tagalog speakers) would be the next friendliest, and Waray-waray speakers would be the rudest. I love the latter the most as I lived among them for two years as a missionary, but they would tell me to eat poop everyday or say “hey, Joe!” with venom and derision. Never once heard that in Manila or Cebuano speaking areas, or from Kampampangans. That being said, the majority of the Waray-waray speakers are just as friendly as their other counterparts.

Following the surrender on April 9, Lee rode to Richmond to reunite with his family. He lodged with his family at a house on Franklin Street owned by a family friend (the Lee-Stewart House). He spent the summer of 1865 at a cottage outside Richmond but returned to Franklin Street where he remained until September. He then moved to Lexington, Virginia, to take post as President of Washington College.The post included a modest, two-storey residence. After the College had found its feet under Lee’s leadership, the family moved to a purpose-built larger residence on the campus where he remained until he died in 1870.Lee seldom travelled beyond the College, preferring to work quietly on rebuilding the institution, which had suffered greatly during the war, and restoring relations with his long-suffering, ailing wife and his remaining children. His main outlet was his daily ride into the countryside on Traveller often accompanied by Agnes, his elder daughter. He took several brief trips to visit family and friends and consult with physicians. He also travelled to Washington to testify before the Select Congressional Committee examining the war, a trip that included a brief meeting with then President Grant.In March, 1870, he embarked on a pilgrimage to the graves of his daughter Annie and his father who had died when Lee was a child. Lee was by then quite ill, the result of his trials in command of the Army of Northern Virginia. Already relatively old for field duties, he stubbornly insisted on sharing the privations of his troops including sleeping under canvass and eating standard rations. As the war progressed, the combination of poor diet, exposure, sheer physical exertion and the extreme stress of command wore him down to the point where, as early as 1863, he showed signs of incipient heart disease. By 1870, he probably felt his time slipping away and wanted to pay his respects before it was too late.The trip turned into a popular celebration of the old soldier. Word of his coming spread fast: thousands gathered along the route including many veterans. He was reluctantly pressed into social engagements at every waystop where Confederate widows, veterans and other admirers insisted on having a few words. Women approached and introduced him to their children, many of whom carried his name. Lee was unfailingly polite and always solicitous with children. He never failed to have a word or two. Among the throng was a young Woodrow Wilson who would one day become President.The journey exhausted him and likely contributed to his failing heart. Yet he soldiered on, even if he could only raise his hat momentarily from the car to acknowledge the crowds.In May he returned home worn out from the journey and took up his duties but by then he was failing badly. In October he collapsed while at dinner with his family. It’s generally believed he suffered a stroke. After lingering several days drifting in and out of consciousness, he died. He was 63.I recommend a book entitled The Marble Man by Thomas Connelly. It explores in detail the postwar years and strikes deeply into Lee’s essential humanity. It is a far better description of his last years than I can summon here.

The best venue for large groups will depend upon the type of group and why you're going out.For friends drinking beer / having fun: Mekong 6004 West Broad Street, (804) 288-8929. Mekong was recently voted the best beer bar in the country by the Brewer's Association. It has a relaxed atmosphere, a world-class beer selection and the food is good and inexpensive.For a formal / business evening: Buckheads 8510 Patterson Avenue, (804) 750-2000. The steaks at Buckheads are among the best in Richmond. They have a professional wait staff and one of the most impressive wine lists in the United States. Prepare to spend some $$$, but it's definitely worth it. Also, if you go, get the onion rings - Wow!For graduation type event with family and friends: The Tobacco Company 1201 East Cary Street, 804-782-9555. The Tobacco Company is a Richmond stalwart. Set in an old tobacco warehouse in historic Shocoe Slip, it's a great place to introduce Richmond to out of town guests. They have a diverse menu that will please a large group. Plus, they have the third floor of the restaurant set aside for large groups.With all of these restaurants it would be best to call and set up a reservation so they can meet your specific needs.