My first day in Birmingham was an interesting experience, honestly. Everything felt so familiar, but different at the same time. Walking around the streets, it felt just like home in some ways with places like Five Guys, Burger King, and Subway, but in between there were unique restaurants, statues, museums, and so much more. It was strange seeing so many things that reminded me of the United States while also realizing I was in a completely different country. The city had a very lively atmosphere, and there always seemed to be something happening around every corner.

One of the first things that really stood out to me was the architecture. I was expecting more historical and ancient buildings; however, I was surprised to see so many modernized buildings, which I understand is because Birmingham has been rebuilding itself over the years. The modern buildings were super neat because they had so many unique shapes, designs, and details that felt very different from buildings in the United States. Some buildings had huge glass windows while others had curved metallic designs that looked futuristic. At the same time, there were still older buildings mixed throughout the city, which created a really cool contrast between history and modernization. I thought it was interesting how Birmingham balances preserving its history while continuing to grow into a modern city.

Additionally, the pub culture was astonishingly different from the United States. It felt much more community-based, friendly, relaxed, and social. Instead of people quickly coming and going, pubs seemed like places where people gathered to spend time together and have conversations. The atmosphere felt cozy and welcoming, and it was interesting to see how important pubs are to everyday social life in England. In the United States, bars can sometimes feel more focused on partying or entertainment, but the pubs I saw in Birmingham felt more centered around relaxing and enjoying time with other people. It almost felt like pubs were a second home for many people because of how comfortable and social the environment was.

Another thing that took some getting used to was the traffic and driving. Seeing cars drive on the opposite side of the road was honestly confusing at first, and I had to remind myself to look the opposite direction before crossing the street. The roads also seemed much narrower than in the United States, especially in busy parts of the city. There were also so many buses, taxis, bicycles, and pedestrians all moving together at once. Even though the streets were crowded, the traffic still seemed calmer and more organized than what I am used to back home. Public transportation also appeared to be used much more frequently, which made the city feel very connected and walkable.

Overall, my first day in Birmingham gave me a really positive first impression of England. Between the modern architecture, the welcoming pub atmosphere, and the completely different traffic culture, I already felt like I was learning so much just by walking around and observing everyday life. It was exciting to experience a place that felt both familiar and brand new at the same time, and it made me excited to continue exploring more of England during my trip.