Greg’s post about his sixteen years in the Raleigh area reminded me that my own “area anniversary” just came up. It was August 2nd, 1992 that I began classes at N.C. State (and not long afterward that I stopped said classes, but that’s a story for another day). I’ve considered myself a resident ever since.
I actually came up a few weeks earlier, when my friend Mike D. invited me up for the Jimmy Buffett concert on June 14, 1992. He was living in a condo off of Wade Avenue and Capital Boulevard. That little neighborhood will remain special to me for just that reason.
My visits to Raleigh go back even further. In 1987 my friend Chris invited me up to spend the weekend in his dorm and watch the Carolina-State football game. I believe State won that one, if I recall correctly. I remember Chris driving me around downtown Raleigh and me thinking what an absolute ghost town it was. It still ain’t Times Square, but it’s sure come a long way in 20 years.
I first came to North Carolina by way of Charlotte in 1983. Started high school at South Mecklenburg and picked up my first driver’s license here. We moved in 1986 to Great Falls, Virginia, where I finished high school at Herndon High. Ah, the life of a nomad.
I hope to stick around Raleigh for quite a bit longer. What’s not to like (except the hot weather right now, of course)?