Recently back from a very busy 2 days in Birmingham.  Birmingham is known as England’s “second City”.  I am not sure why or in what regards but I must say I really like it.  Our office is in a redeveloped area beside a canal.

It looks very neat and tidy and attractive.  I am not a fan of chain bars and restaurants such as Pitcher and Piano and Cafe Rouge as I prefer independent places.  But I did really enjoy sitting outside last night enjoying a beer or two.

The downside to working with younger people!

Dinner was pork ribs, some Miso soup

and Yaki soba at Wagamama’s.

I didn’t stay out too late (I really can not take the pace these days, especially on a school night!) and enjoyed the walk to my hotel, across the canal, through a shopping centre,

past the Symphony Hall and in to my hotel.

I stayed in the Copthorne which was very acceptable.  Good sized room, attentive staff and a good location.

I had a reasonable breakfast there of muesli with Greek yogurt, stewed fruits and a grapefruit juice on the side.

One of the things I most like about Birmingham is the architecture.  New and old next to each other.  This is the WW1 War Memorial and in the background is the new library.

The new library is an extraordinary building (this photo was taken this afternoon in sunshine 🙂 ).

It is still being developed and around the outside is a very interesting mural about what they are creating and how.  I really want to go inside when it is open.

I enjoyed the walk to work this morning.

I popped to EAT for lunch and tried the Shitake and Miso soup with a toasted tuna and cheese sandwich.

After a very busy day I enjoyed being in the sunshine, walking back to the station through the lovely big open spaces and past the grand buildings in central Birmingham.

Wished I could have sat in the sun and enjoyed the tennis!

I had a lovely smoothie when I got home, made with a banana, blackberries and soya milk, with some cocoa nibs, acai and maca powder for additional nutrients.  Followed by a bowl of Shreddies.

I had a useful and at times,  fun trip,  but it is so good to be home.