Ok ok, so I've been super slack for the past 2 months and have been neglecting my blog. I feel bad but not TOO bad because it means that instead of writing about my experiences I have been LIVING them which is even more important! But yes, I will try and not make it this long between posts again. I don't know where the time has gone! It has literally flown by. By the end of next week I will have been doing the show for 3 months already!! Crazy. But you know what they say...time flies when you're having fun and I have certainly been having lots of that! Birmingham...where to begin? Since I only have one post to describe this vibrant city I guess I should mention its most memorable features. I found it to be an odd mix of ugly brown 70's buildings, quaint canals, fine dining, crazy partygoers and strange sights (one of these being men standing on the side of the road wearing nothing but tool belts). There is nothing that Brummie doesn't have...from gay bars to Salsa clubs to 70's retro disco, late night cinema and even a bowling alley. For night life it certainly ticked all the boxes. I have never seen so many bars in such close proximity doing so well. Broad street was certainly an adventure and a half, with the local ladies embracing the midriff and tight leather hot-pants, despite chilly temperatures. Also there seemed to be an endless need for fancy dress...every weekend as I was walking home there were people in cowboy hats or feather boas looking to have a good time! That's the thing about Brummies, they certainly do know how to have a good time!!
I didn't always feel particularly safe, and the endless sighting of parked police cars was both reassuring and frightening (not really sure which!) It did remind me of being back in Stockwell and I feel that my experience living there for a year has prepared me well for the dangers that the rest of the UK may bring! Of course I visited the infamous 'Cadbury World' and enjoyed the freebies I was given a little too quickly (which of course resulted in a chocolate induced coma, as is expected).
Something worth mentioning is the extensive chinese influence that is present in Birmingham. There is an awesome Chinatown complete with restaurants, asian bakery, Yum Cha and even an undercover market. I felt well at home! Also, I should also at least mention the wonderful Hippodrome Theatre which was gorgeous and modern and huge and overall a joy to perform in. The audiences certainly didn't disappoint! They knew how to enjoy a show and their enthusiasm gave me so much joy. Nothing like a standing ovation and appreciative screams during the curtain call...it was such a gift! Also, there were a few super fans that waited at the door collecting autographs EVERYDAY. Now THAT is dedication!
I must say, at the end of the 6 weeks I was ready to leave. The permanent grey that seemed to befall the city of Birmingham every single day became too much for me and I longed for summer to return. I also felt that although the shopping was fantastic it was not so good for my bank account and it was definitely time to move out of temptation's way!
Thank you Brummie-land for your good food, shopping, nightlife and interesting locals...you may not be missed but you most certainly will be remembered!
Shopping and churches all in one place!
