A Day in Birmingham (UK)

I almost changed my mind about going to Birmingham. I'm glad I decided to push through with attending the SQLBITS conference at Aston University. Every session had excellent presentors, no marketing gimmicks or blabbering but everything they shared was useful information if not too hardcore. But anyways, I am here to talk about what I saw during my brief stay there.

After arriving at the airport, it was pretty easy from then on. The signs were pretty clear and I knew immediately which way it was to the Air-Rail Link. This kind of train is a maglev, or magnetically levitating, which is essentially a train that is suspended. Quite high-tech indeed. It reminds me of the one in Newark Airport but I don't think that one also levitates.

This is about the only high-tech thing I've seen in the city. After this, I arrived in a regular central train station called New Street Station which was right at the center of the city. From there I took a taxi to my destination (Aston University). I paid 5 pounds for around a mile of travel. But at least I arrived safely.

The place where I stayed is a conference center of the Aston Business School. I would say I am very impressed with the surroundings. Lots of places to hangout, free wireless and drinks all through the buildings. Their restaurant also had outstanding service. This is the kind of place where the waiter would spread the napkin in your lap for you! The price per night was discounted for me since I was there with a group (65 pounds per night) but it sure is better than most regular hotels I've stayed in my life. They also offered free English buffet breakfast each morning.

At the centre I was surprised to find few restaurants or fine-dining establishments which I have been accustomed to in Amsterdam or other cities I've been to. At that time, I was strolling near the Bull ring Area where there were several huge shopping malls that cater to upperclass and middle class consumers. I was hoping to find an Indian restaurant there and have a taste of Balti cuisine which they were famous for but I didn't. I ended up ordering one from delivery (!). Ok that wasn't as exciting as I hoped it would be.

Another thing that I noticed is that the crowd I've seen is mostly people below 30. I think it was even below 20 at times! This is clearly a city of young people. I think this is probably because of several universities that are within range. While walking I also saw a huge group of Goth Teens lined up for a concert. To say the least, the city was full of rowdy teenagers. I didn't feel comfortable walking alone at night. So I did most of my exploration during the day. I especially enjoyed just sitting by St. Martin's Church right next to the Bull Ring shops. Sitting there on a Sunday basking at the beauty of the surroundings and listening to its bells tolling the whole morning. I like it and it was so relaxing.

As with a lot of cities in the UK, Birmingham is home to many immigrants. I've seen a lot people from different backgrounds, such as East and South Asians and people of Arabic origin. Inside one of the malls I even saw a man in his 30's hands clasped in prayer while walking back in forth in a corner holding a certain kind of prayer beads that isn't Catholic but seems more like Hindu prayer beads.

Here's a 1 minute video I took while walking. I have no idea if someone was killed, a bomb was found or it was just some teenager stealing something but everyone was running around. I was too scared to look at the incident closely. I guess it doesn't matter now. I'm back here at home safe and blogging again.