Location: Birmingham, West Midlands, England
Summary: A trip to visit Dave and Sue, see the Who Do You Think You Are Show at the NEC, enjoy a few walks, pubs and football, and then endure a long and awkward journey home.
Day 1, Fareham to Birmingham
I got up late, packed a few things in a case, had a banana and mint chocolate chip shake for breakfast and then read until 11:00 when my taxi arrived to take me to the station. The taxi was on time and soon I was at Fareham waiting for my train. It arrived on time and finding a seat was easy. I got my Kindle out and carried on reading.
A guard confirmed that I did not need to change platforms at Winchester and that the train behind mine was the one I needed for Birmingham. At Winchester I asked which end of the platform I should wait at so I did not end up walking the full length of a moving train to reach my reserved seat.
Once seated I opened a beer, got my Kindle out again and settled in for the trip to Birmingham New Street. The time went quickly and I barely had time for my second beer before we arrived. We waited outside the station for about ten minutes before finally pulling in. As I looked out of the window I saw Dave and Sue waiting for me.
After getting off the train we found that the platform for our connection was blocked by a broken train. After a short delay we were told the train would come from the platform we had just left. We walked back, boarded and were soon on the short trip to Northfield.
Day 2, Lickey Hills
After a late breakfast we drove to the Lickey Hills for a gentle walk around the duck ponds. We did not attempt the hills, just a peaceful stroll in the fresh air. I have walked more in the last two days than in the previous six months and although progress is slow my breathing is improving.
After lunch we walked round the corner to buy our train tickets for tomorrow’s trip to the NEC. The disabled railcard was well worth the £20 as I had already saved over £45 on my return to Birmingham and the NEC trip.
Day 3, Who Do You Think You Are Show
We left at about 08:30 for the train to the NEC and arrived at about 09:20. We waited for the doors to open at 09:30. My first impression was how much more space there was compared to Earls Court although this turned out to be because there were fewer exhibitors, fewer talks and less interest overall.
I watched a talk on tracing European ancestry and picked up some good pointers for researching my Italian roots. The presenter said her slides would be available on her website which saved me scribbling notes. I also saw a preview of the new Ancestry website and its updated DNA section. Once my DNA results are sorted I hope it will help fill in some gaps.
At lunchtime we went to Subway. The prices were higher, the quality was lower and the service was poor. They even refused to give me my Subway points although the receipt explained how to redeem them. That receipt may well be sent to the Subway UK CEO with a strongly worded letter.
By mid afternoon my leg was getting sore so I skipped the last talk and we headed back to Northfield. Later we went to The Black Horse for a meal. The food was great, the service was excellent and the Northern lasses were easy on the eye.
Day 4, FA Cup Semi Final
I did not have tickets for the match but planned to watch it either at the pub or at Dave’s. Around lunchtime Dave and Sue talked themselves into booking a holiday to Orlando. I decided to go for a walk and a pint.
I walked the half mile to the Great Stone pub and had a drink. While I was there Dave rang to say they were passing and could give me a lift. I took it, got dropped in Northfield and walked to The Black Horse for another pint. Then I walked to the Longbridge Social Club for a quick cider.
Sue rang to say they were heading home and could pick me up. They collected me a short distance down the road and I made it back in time to watch Arsenal beat Reading and reach the FA Cup Final. A good day all round.
Day 5, The Royal Oak
We had a lazy morning and in the afternoon visited Sue’s sister Irene and her husband Brian. After some nibbles and sherry we walked to the Royal Oak in Catshill, Bromsgrove. We had a lovely meal, good company and a few drinks before returning to their house for one more and then heading back to Dave and Sue’s. It was a quiet and relaxing day before my journey home.
Day 6, Birmingham to Fareham
My train was not until lunchtime so I had a calm morning before leaving at about 11:30. At Birmingham New Street I found that my train had been cancelled and the next one was an hour away. After half an hour I checked again and saw delays everywhere due to problems at Oxford.
I took a different train going via Basingstoke. It was delayed, packed and I was lucky to get a seat. I had to defend it with my walking stick. It was standing room only all the way to Basingstoke more than three and a half hours later. I was wedged in a corner with my suitcase on my lap and could not move when the cramps started.
At Basingstoke things improved as my connection was the next train and I only waited a few minutes. Back in Fareham I took a taxi home which cost £5 for half a mile. At that rate my return to Florida next week would cost £70000. Why are taxis so expensive.
After not eating all day and finding the fridge empty I went to the Chinese for two meals, one for now and one for later.
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