An alternative Monday

We’ve been staying in Birmingham since Friday on a little Christmas break and had a great time. (More of that in another blog). I’ve just discovered there is an alternative Monday to my usual “arrive at freezing cold Portacabin office which has it’s own weather system, work in coat and scarf till lunch when suddenly the heating wins the battle, the office becomes a furnace and I have to open my window overlooking the local cemetery……….”.

My alternative Monday = lazy breakfast while “people watching” from the window. Back to room for a Nespresso (no, George Clooney isn’t here but I have my own man who knows how to operate the thing!) and read the papers. Then, (if you don’t know Birmingham very well, I can recommend this route) wander up road, through the Mailbox to the canal area, investigate the new Cube building to see if the restaurants are open yet (not yet but soon), walk along canalside to Brindley Place (or you can catch the waterbus), hope to see photography in Ikon gallery but realise its closed on Mondays (just an excuse to come back another day), look inside the Carluccini cafe and shop but their coffee machine is broken so off to Costa coffee overlooking the little fountains, wave at oldest daughter working in Deloitte offices nearby, browse the ICC particularly the art gallery which has artwork by Bob Dylan and Ronnie Wood, check how well the new Library and Rep building is coming on then return via Floozie in the Jacuzzi fountain, German Christmas market, Gormley’s Iron Man statue and back up the road to the hotel. Can you tell I love Birmingham?

Writing this blog, from the 18th floor, I’m watching the sun dropping low over the Birmingham skyline. The University clock tower standing out amongst the trees in the distance, the tower block of flats in front of me blocking some of the view and the endless traffic queues on the road below. Not a perfect day (the Ikon was closed!)  but perfect for me 🙂 Feeling very blessed to have spent a few days with R in a hotel that I’ve always wanted to stay in since I saw it being built, to get a  room with a great aerial view and to spend time enjoying this great city.

One more Nespresso then pack the case and head home ………..