After a long journey, our flight finally landed at London Heathrow Airport around 6:40 a.m. this morning. It still feels surreal to say that we are finally in Birmingham, and I could not be more excited to see what this trip holds. It’s the beginning of a new experience, and although the day was packed and exhausting, it already feels incredibly worthwhile. Our morning was filled with nonstop travel. We completed the final leg of our international flight from Washington, D.C. to London, and then spent a significant amount of time navigating through Heathrow to locate our bus to Birmingham. It took a couple of hours to get to the city by road, but I was grateful for these quiet times during the trip. I used part of the quiet journey, such as on the flight, to read my Dracula novel—a book I’ve been meaning to return to but hadn’t had the chance to pick up in a long time. While the other half, like the bus ride into the city, I used to catch up on some sleep that I was unable to have while on the plane.
With that in mind, the biggest challenge was the lack of sleep. Between airport layovers, time zone changes, and an early start to our day, I definitely felt the jet lag creeping in. Thankfully, the bus ride offered an opportunity to doze off and catch up on some much-needed rest. I wasn’t alone in that as most of our group took the chance to nap, and it helped reset our energy for what lied ahead. Once we arrived in Birmingham, we headed straight to the hotel to drop off our bags and freshen up a bit. After quickly settling in, we made our way to lunch at a nearby spot called O’Neill’s. I wasn’t super hungry after the long trip, so I kept it simple with chicken tenders and sweet chili sauce. These were crispy, flavorful, and overall, really good in my opinion.
After lunch, we regrouped for a short walking tour of the city led by Dr. Marks. The tour was a perfect way to get our bearings and start connecting with the new environment. Dr. Marks pointed out nearby restaurants, shopping areas, and entertainment venues—all conveniently located within walking distance of our hotel. One of the main highlights of the tour was visiting the Bullring shopping center, a major retail hub in the heart of Birmingham. We also explored a nearby flea market area, saw a stunning gothic-style church, and stopped by an art museum featuring some incredibly creative pieces. I was genuinely impressed by the art on display, and even though I forgot to take pictures (which I now regret), the visit left a lasting impression on me. By the time we made our way back to the hotel, it was already around 4:00 p.m. My body was in need for some rest, so I laid down to recharge before we headed out again for dinner. That brief rest did wonders. For dinner, I went out with a few friends from the trip. We found a cozy place with great service and an even better menu. I enjoyed both the food and the atmosphere and it was a relaxing end to a fast-paced day. So now, as I write this reflection in my pajamas after a hot shower, I feel the full weight of the day catching up to me. But even with how tired I am, I’m filled with excitement and gratitude. This city has so much character, and I’m eager to discover more of it. I’m also hopeful that staying active today will help me adjust to the five-hour time difference and reduce the effects of jet lag.
What really struck me today was how charming Birmingham is. The city is dotted with statues and sculptures that seem to tell stories of its history and culture. There’s also a great selection of places to shop, eat, and explore for fun. I noticed locations like Legoland and the Sea Life Centre nearby which I would love to visit in the future if time permits. The accessibility of everything from our hotel is another major plus. We really lucked out with this location.
One of the most surprising things I learned today is that Birmingham has canals, similar to those in Italy. I had no idea! These canals are used for all kinds of activities—water tours, kayaking, and even floating shops and homes. Some people live on boats in these canals year-round or for extended periods, which I found fascinating. It added a unique and unexpected layer to the city’s charm. I managed to take a picture of one of the canals, which I’m glad about, especially since I forgot to photograph many of the other sites we visited. Another thing that stood out to me was the city’s diversity. I had heard that Birmingham was a multicultural place, but seeing it firsthand made it feel real. Walking through the city, I encountered people from so many different backgrounds. Despite this diversity, it was interesting to notice that our group still drew attention. A few waitresses and even some people on the street asked if we were from the United States, simply based on how we spoke. It was a fun reminder of how accents can make us stand out in a new place.
However as much as I’m enjoying the hotel’s location, I did notice one downside: there’s no pool. That’s a bit of a letdown, as a swim would’ve been a nice way to unwind. Still, it’s a small trade-off for being so close to everything else. Tomorrow, we’ll be visiting Birmingham City University for the first time. I’m especially looking forward to meeting students and faculty there. I can’t wait to hear their stories, learn about their journeys, and begin forming connections that could shape this experience in meaningful ways.
All in all, today was both long and chill—if that combination makes sense. Despite being physically tired, my mind feels refreshed by everything we saw and experienced. There’s something invigorating about stepping into a new environment, and I feel incredibly fortunate to be here. I know that this trip will bring a lot of learning and discovery, and today was just the beginning. Birmingham has already made a great first impression, and I’m excited for what’s to come.
(Our first group picture in London, United Kingdom waiting for our bus.)