Birmingham was the “why not” daytrip that turn out to be a good place to get away from London for a day. Would I make this a vacation destination? Probably not, but as a daytrip it was satisfactory. Birmingham is one of the largest cities outside of London with a population of over 1 million people. Yet most of most of the people I have met in London would not recommend visiting or have actually visted this city. I had to check it out for myself.
To begin, my train from London left from Euston station. Word of warning the ticket machines are not at plentiful or well labeled as they are in the other stations. The lines were ridiculous and I ended up running for my train. Nonetheless I made it. I paid for first classs since it was not much of a price difference. I really liked it. Free beverages, snacks and fruit during breakfast. In the evenings boxed meals. The train ride is less than 2 hours long depending on which train, there are multiple lines and routes. The Virgin trains have UK outlets and wifi. Another tip, the wifi is free if you b![IMG_2724[1]](https://grandyose.blog/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/img_27241.jpg?w=196&h=147)
ook direct through the Virgin site or buy a first class ticket.
After some research online I decided to use the New Street Station which is a new stop for this train and leaves you in the center of the city. The Birmingham International Station is too far from the city. New Street Station is part of the Grand Central shopping center that reopened in September 2015. It all looked new and beautiful – a “proper mall.” I really wanted to stop and shop but had my own plans and a limited amount of time. On my agenda was walk to the city center, aquarium, museum and afternoon tea. I accomplished everything but swapped out the afternoon tea for a pub.
After I left Grand Central on route to the Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery I could understand why this is big secret of UK. There was literally construction everywhere. It appeared that there were large areas demolished and being reconstructed. This is different from London where only small areas demolished or just enveloped to make way for new construction. There was a lot of open areas too. Victoria Square is home to the Town Hall and Council House and it was beautiful. There was actually a wedding party taking pictures when I passed through. They also police vehicle parked in the square which is what the news called “physical assurance.” This square was opened in 1993 by the Princess of Wales. The fountain is now a garden and it was gorgeous.
The Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery definitely had some great art pieces but nothing near to the museums in 
London. There was also some issue or upgrade needed with the climate control since there was a woman refilling the reserviors of what looked like humidifers with water. I actually got a photo. It appears they do not have anywhere near the benefactors of the other museums. As always I like to take pictures of the art that appeals to me and also some of the older pieces that include people of color.
I moved on to the National SEA LIFE Centre which is the aquarium in Birmingham. I got through the building relatively quickly. This was not the level of aquarium I am used to and personally did not believe it compared to the the Adventure Aquarium or some of the other in the US. The habitats were small for instance the penquin enclosure was totally enclosed. They did have a great water tank and visitors could stand in a dome below and watch them swim. The shark and fish tank had the obligatory walk through tunnel but this aquarium had the 360 degree clear tunnel. The otters were adorable. During the feeding the keeper told a story about otters Mango and Apricot not getting along and fighting which caused the aquarium to have to swap Apricot with another aquarium. It was actually interesting to see these animals have unique personalities and behaviors. There were not as many animals as I am use to but UK is not known for its aquariums is it. The location of the aquarium is by the canals. The water is not clean it is actually ver dark but the canals are extensive. I did not have time to explore but it reminds me of Little Venice in London. There were plenty of house boats, cafe boats and shops. You could even take a canal ride for a fee.
I made my way back to the area near the train station and decided to have a meal in place of afternoon tea. I went to The Shakepeare and in the traditional fashion you seat yourself, go to the bar to order and pay. The bartender brings your meal to you at the table. I ordered wholetail shrimp scampi, chips and a cider pint. Some notable differences shrimp scampi is fried shrimp not the usual pasta dish on the menus I have seen, chips are always thick cut fries and in pubs peas or mushed peas are always a side – yes I eat them. The food was good and I was able to make a few internet connections on the sporadic wifi signal. My mom said my food looked good.
I made my journey home very content with seeing Birmingham UK!
Go, Going, Gone Grandyose 