Birmingham

St Martin's Cathedral

Shopping in Birmingham! We went to a place called the "Bull Ring" that is one huge Garage Sale in many huge buildings as well as outdoor stalls. The picture on the left is of Jan and Barb buying gloves. Barb also sought out a big scarf for the chilly weather. All of the goods are stacked/ piled or displayed as high as they can make them. It's like walking thru a maze! There was a beautiful fruit and vegetable market outside that we ate our way around- yum. Just outside the "Bull Ring" is the City Center which is a massive shopping district along with the central train and bus stations. Just on the edge of the "Bull Ring" is St Martins Cathedral. There was an exhibit by a local artist of larger than life "vestments" each representing a different sentiment evoked by our modern world- quite a unique way to express concern over today's issues.

The Old and the New

St Martins

Right next door to St Martins is a huge structure that looks like a miss-shaped golf ball. I think it belonged to a sport's team, but it was certainly an interesting juxtaposition to the old church! England's shopping districts are quite different than we're used to at home. Everything closes at 5pm and everyone leaves the area. They may as well roll up the sidewalks! On a more personal note: WARNING- if you intend to come to England, do not try to use their cash machines or to get a cash advance in their banks with a credit card that isn't embedded with a "chip", rather than the magnetic strips that we have. The machines will "retain" your card and the banks just refuse to give you any cash. You CAN use your card to pay for large bills, like your hotel bill or a train pass with no problems. I've been spending my evenings and every spare opportunity emailing with my credit union to sort out a way to get some cash! Hopefully they'll agree to wire me some money!