After getting off a long overnight flight, I was very tired, but I was also excited to finally arrive in Birmingham! Even though I was exhausted from traveling, seeing the city for the first time gave me energy. As soon as we arrived, I noticed people walking everywhere, cars constantly moving through the streets, and the many different buildings that were each beautiful in their own way. Even though I had just arrived, it already felt very different from home in a good way. The city had a unique atmosphere that made me excited to explore more. I did have to get used to the cars driving on the other side of the road, although I was not driving, it took some time to get used to it!
One of the first things we did after arriving was go to a local pub for lunch. The pub had a welcoming environment and felt like a place where people gathered to relax and spend time together. While we were eating, football, or what Americans call soccer, was playing on the televisions around the restaurant. It was interesting to see how invested everyone was in the games. The food was also very good, as I had a refreshing salad before we went for a walk. I needed the energy! Furthermore, I also tried mushy peas. At first, I was hesitant to try them as the texture of them looked funny, but I did end up trying them and liking them more than I thought I would, which was exciting!
After lunch, we spent time walking around the city and observing everything around us. One thing that stood out to me was the canals running throughout Birmingham. Before visiting, I did not realize how many canals the city had. They added a peaceful feeling to such a busy environment and made the city feel unique. As we walked along them, there were restaurants, bridges, shops, and many people sitting outside enjoying the day.
We also visited a beautiful art museum that displayed a wide range of artwork and historical pieces. Walking through the museum was very interesting. I very much enjoyed walking into the tearoom! The building itself was impressive, both inside and outside the museum. Visiting the museum gave me a better understanding of the city’s culture and history while also showing how much Birmingham values art and creativity.
Another thing I noticed while exploring Birmingham was the variety of shopping areas throughout the city. Some streets were filled with large stores and busy crowds, while others had smaller local shops and cafés. One odd observation that surprised me was the lack of large vehicles I saw driving through the city. I did not notice a lot of trucks and Jeeps, which stood out to me as I see them often driving on the road where I live.
Overall, my first day in Birmingham was exciting and memorable. I already felt like I was learning a lot about the culture and environment of England. I am excited to learn and experience more as the trip continues!
