Research Diary: Hello from Birmingham!

[rj_anderson]

Thanks to train delays and some sort of booking error, we missed our connection to Aberystwyth and can't catch another train for a couple of hours, so here I am in Birmingham at an internet cafe, having a rather splendid time. And this actually works out perfectly because I needed to research this area, so now I have time to do it properly!

Based on my limited Internet research I had been led to believe that Birmingham New Street station and the area around it was a bit of a dump, but that just goes to show the importance of firsthand experience, because it is quite a sophisticated and attractive shopping area and there's nothing particularly dumpy about the station (inside, at least) at all. I don't know yet how much (if any) of Wayfarer is going to take place here, but at least now I have a mental picture (and some photos too) to guide me if need be...

The trains this morning were quite pleasant too, though the one from Redhill to Reading was a bit smelly and grotty compared to the others. Local colour? We stayed last night in Horley, just a few minutes outside of Gatwick -- all the houses there were made of rusty-colored brick with roofs of moldering gray slate and the town as a whole wasn't especially attractive, but we found a rather nice pub called the Six Bells where we had an excellent meal.

Our train to Aberystwyth leaves in half an hour so I will have to sign off now and get back to the station, but I'm glad I could post this to let you all know (like you were all sitting there biting your nails and worrying -- heh) that I've arrived safely in the UK and that all is going well so far! I hope to post again later in the week.

Books bought today, courtesy of Waterstone's:
- Philip Reeve's Here Lies Arthur and Starcross
- Eva Ibbotson's A Company of Swans

TTFN!

Comments

[alawston.livejournal.com]

New Street USED to be awful, but most of Birmingham's Centre has been regenerated so completely that I don't recognise half of it just five years after I moved away...

[jenny-moss.livejournal.com]

The Six Bells -- sounds lovely.

Glad to know you are safe and sound. Let us know how it's going.

[chrisleeoctaves.livejournal.com]

When my husband and I lived in the Midlands, we spent a lot of time in Birmingham...and I remember the first time we walked out into the High Street (from the train station) and saw the Flouzy in the Jacuzzi and all the shops (Dillons and Waterstones spring to mind, of course). I think Birmingham enjoyed quite a renaissance and isn't any longer the dump it was once considered to be. We both really liked our time there.

[kerravonsen]

Books bought today,

Why am I not surprised?

Enjoy all your local colour!

[anywherebeyond.livejournal.com]

YAY! Welcome to the UK! It sounds like you're having a good time so far! Enjoy that kidfree time!!

[fpb.livejournal.com]

Central Birmingham has indeed been heavily renovated according to the council's desire to look like Britain's second city as well as being it. Alas, some of the outlying areas are still dumps. And I wish they could do something about their accents - Brummie is the only accent I ever heard that can make every intelligent person who speaks it sound stupid.

[callyperry.livejournal.com]

Woo hoo! Have a wonderful time! And do tell Horst happy birthday for me! *waves*

[robshearman.livejournal.com]

I spent the first nineteen years of my life living in Horley. Strange but true. It still affects my dreams. But in a funny way, I have an affection for the town.

Hope you're enjoying Britain!

[erinbow.livejournal.com]

Waterstones!~ That takes me back. (Please take me back!)

Travel safely and have lots of amazing inspiration. Happy birthday Horst!

[infiniteviking]

Yay, UK. ^___^

Have a great trip!

[colyngbourne.livejournal.com]

Hope you're enjoying your travels here!
You'll love Starcross and Here Lies Arthur (I hope!)

[gamiila.livejournal.com]

Birmingham City Centre has enjoyed quite an extensive programme of renovation in recent years, and I personally think it's much improved. I particularly love the Sainsbury building there.

[loriel-eris.livejournal.com]

I was in Aber last week, and did discover that trains to Aber are a bit like gold - very rare! When I got there, I was all amazed to discover that it is such a typical seaside town! It's been years since I've seen a proper seaside town and it was just delightful. *g*