Last week I managed to get to Brum for a couple of days to sort out some stuff and to show a couple of Spanish mates around.

Took a good look at The Public in West Brom....I liked it although it doesn't fit into the drab surroundings.Lets hope it kickstarts something.I also checked out the Lyng regeneration project which I was impressed by.They have done a good job with those blocks of flats.
A packed Metro saw us back to Snow Hill and we were able to see the work taking place at the entrance.Bigger than I expected.....it will be interesting to see how this ends up.
Had a good look at Colmore Gate.Now, I have to say that up to a few years ago I considered this to be incredibly tacky.Nowadays I have to admit I quite like it and I wouldn't mind a similar building going up in Birmingham.I'd prefer a construction like this to its new neighbour Colmore Square No 1.The small area at the base of Colmore Square could do with a couple of benches.
Next on to the Post and Mail and to see how the demolition was going on.A problem with Snow Hill is that everything seems to stop suddenly;there isn't anything to encourage further exploration.Hopefully,St Chad's redevelopment will remedy this.
Custards purchased from the wonderful Gt Western Arcade were scoffed in the always welcoming Cathedral Gardens.The Spanish guys were very impressed.Seville has a huge cathedral but it's unfortunately hemmed in by roads.
Victoria Square was looking good and once again I was getting the correct purrings from the Sevillians.
Walking down New St and that short street to the right provided some great views of Orion and HCT.The rear of HCT is starting to shape up nicely.Lets see how Orion develops. The people in the New St tourist office were very helpful.
Bullring was impressive and Selfridges hit the right chords although the Spanish guys had already seen it in magazines.It's funny how the building hasn't got a nickname.I know that local newspapers have tried but nothing has stuck.People were standing around the bull almost in mourning(due to the vandalism).It's amazing how something so recent shold provoke such a reaction.It was nice to see.
We were all impressed with HCT and a fair quota of photos were taken.
For a change I decided to get the 900 bus to the airport instead of catching the train, giving us the opportunity to look at Eastside.Of course it still feels separate from the city core but I'm hopeful that everything will fit into place.Going past the coach station I noticed there was a new bar with terraza opposite.Out of place but wonderfully encouraging.

In conclusion,the city seemed vibrant and active and left the Spanish guys with the right impression.....and we didn't even get to the canals!!

Just to add that my visit coincided with the bull incident and the Metro announcement.In Seville they used a photo of the MidlandMetro ( along with Lisbon and another light raiway in Germany)to advertise their future underground/metro .

I don't think anybody has mentioned the programme that went out last week where Handsworth poet Benjamin Zephenia related a poem while using HCT as his backdrop.Very impressive.He was situated on a roof of a building on the Bristol Road.The final shot was of The Sentinals and HCT together.

Sounds like your short visit left you and your Spanish friends with a positive impression of the city and how it's progressing at the moment. How often do you pop back Nacho?

A few times a year.Now there are four lines that go from Malaga, so it's easier and cheaper every time.Sometimes I've been to Birmingham for one night seen the Baggies and back to Seville again.

I know we keep nagging you, but you're gonna have to plan one to coincide with one of our meet ups. Bring your Spanish friends as well, there's no better way of experiencing the real Bham than sharing a pint or two with the locals.

Believe me when I say I'd like too;I like nothing better than a session and a natter.I'm off on a big one later tonight.This place is suffocating at the moment and the only respite is found in the streets after midnight.

We're having fine weather here at the moment, it's supposed to a gorgeous weekend....no photo's though I'm afraid, I'm spending the weekend in a few beer gardens.
The next meetup should be interesting, hopefully it will coincide with LSyd's visit from the other Bham in Alabama. We'll show those Americans how to drink :cheers: :)

That's the way to do it!

On arrival I was picked up at the airport and was able to view the (one the morning) skyline from the M6.I thought the city was well lit and I was suprised to see Quayside Tower so well illuminated.HCT and The Rotunda's eventual lighting schemes will be great additions too.

Another observation......I see that they've done a few things to the airport.I actually got off the bus at the Skytrain link stop instead of the departures terminal.....that entrance is a lot better now.I also see that they've moved the main bus and coach stops too......more ordered now.