Birmingham Back to Backs

Another lovely warm, sunny day, with a top of 21 degrees. We are indeed very lucky to have this Indian summer & everyone is very pleased with the unexpected warmth, (especially us).

We started the day with a different walk to the bus stop and a different bus - 11C- Sarah's work bus. It took us to Bournville, a delightful suburb where …

We visit the Birmingham back to back houses. A row of Victorian houses which have been renovated by the National Trust, this was a really interesting visit.

We start off in the sweet shop which is open for business. I choose pineapple chunks which are almost scoffed by the end if the tour. Ian wisely chooses aniseed balls which last him …

... off west byut after 1 block we realise we are in a deserted street in the biggest city in the world, and the next street is pitch black, time to head back to the hotel! We buy some water from reception and collapsed into bed, sleep followed very ...

After over three years away I finally make it back to England. The reason? Have a look at the ...

... , letters and the occasional phone call, it was much appreciated and made us feel like we weren't missing out on too much back home. We met some very interesting people, made heaps of friends, saw lots of amazing things and had many wonderful ...

... , and I had the first few hours home alone. Peace and quiet and a nice warm bed waiting for me. It's so lovely to be back. I can't believe that I finally made it. After 18 hours of travelling - perhaps more - it's just so nice to be still and quiet. ...

... to show me around. Anyway, just thought I would let you know.' I replied, "Hi Reg. I am in Penkridge, a few miles north of Birmingham. I'll explain why later. Want to meet up? I'll be here for a while, so if you make it to Brum, just call and ...

... greeted by good weather.  After five months on the road, we really enjoyed catching up with friends including a local Birmingham gathering titled Swanfest: a garden, a bbq, a fire and a few tents. There was the slightly larger event advertised ...

See mates, work on Brian, 'sort things out'. Departure? Roughly 5 weeks we reckon. We're back staying with our old neighbours, who are very very kindly putting us up on a week by week basis. 4 adults, 2 kids, 2 kittens...a full household! I doubt we'll ...

... quite warm, no smoking, no bins and cleaner turns up every 30 minutes but no loos and the seats are rather hard. Finally back in Birmingham (the train is on time), we find that New Street station has been upgraded and looks nothing like it did a month ...

... my friend and Jamaica companion resides. i'm sure I'll be feeling less than fantastic as I'll have had a night of partying in Birmingham on Friday! Am hoping i can sleep it off on the train. Plans for Jamaica are: negril, ochi rios and then back to ...

My travels got off to the worst possible start other than not flying at all. Firstly was the 1h30 delay on the plane from Birmingham, which was apparently due to early morning fog in Dubai. However, this was the least of my worries, as when I checked in, ...