As soon as we sat down at the gate in Pittsburgh International Airport, I noticed that the population traveling to London was overall very classy and diverse. They were dressed smart, but also showed style. When boarding the plane, the flight attendants and airline workers were extremely kind, polite, and spoke with their elegant British accents. I realized the British speak and dress differently than we do from the start of the trip across the pond.
As the plane descended we were all starring out the windows to observe the landscape. To my surprise, London’s landscape is mostly greenery. All the cities I have been to are full with towering buildings and long bridges with little to no nature, but London takes pride in preserving it’s nature.
When walking to the baggage claim after landing, I realized my suitcase never showed up. . . I luckily received prompt assistance to track down my bag and file a claim. I am so grateful for the professors, advisors, and group I am with that helped support me throughout this frustrating process. At the end of the day, I decided to go with the storyline that it was all for the plot and character development.
We then took a coach to the city of Birmingham. While traveling, I took in the beauty of the outskirts of Birmingham. It looked like a suburban town with lots of grass land, shops, and homes. I saw a family riding their bikes and people walking alongside a railway station, since it was a sunny day. As we were becoming closer to our hotel, Birmingham started to remind me of Pittsburgh. Both are known as steel cities during industrial times, so they share the commonality of upholding and keeping their history while also building and creating new blooming places that attract people. We ate lunch at Bistro Pierre Waterside House along a picturesque canal. I learned during the lunch that Birmingham has more canals than Venice, Italy. The canal boats are powered by solar panels, instead of gas-burning motors.
The food was absolutely splendid. I had a Maple Roasted Butternut Squash meal and Pot au Chocolat as my dessert. The food tasted so fresh. I could savor every sweet and creamy flavor of every bight I took. The Pot au Chocolat had the richest and smoothest chocolate mousse I have ever had. Fresh warm raspberry filling mixed in perfectly with the chocolate mousse. I ate this quickly because it was so delicious, but I also needed to make it to the Bullring Grand Central Mall to shop for essential clothing items before the shops closed. Compared to the United States, eating in the UK is slower and more enjoyable because we savor delicious and authentic food while taking in the presence and conversations with our group members, making it feel more like a communion.
But why is it called Bullring Grand Central? There is a enormous Bull built out of steel rods showcasing the history of industrial Birmingham. It turns on every fifteen minutes with its eyes lighting up and head tilting and tail wagging. It is at the center of the bustling and grand railway station in Birmingham.
Seeing the city in its prime during the evening was contagious. The new bright colors of modern places complemented with ancient architecture, upbeat music, libraries, and statues all present in Birmingham was so mentally and physically stimulating. I learned on our walk through Birmingham that one of Shakespeare’s original writings is present on display in the Birmingham library. We are seeing Stratford upon Avon tomorrow and I hope to see his original writing in the library to connect all of the historic and educational facts come together. People were out everywhere; there was a busy roller skate park and people walking to their evening plans. Almost everyone I saw looked dressed to impress. I love the vivacious atmosphere and cannot wait to explore more of Birmingham. All of the ancient history, education, and culture that lives here will serve as a catalyst to examining the intersectionality between childhood healthcare and education later on.