The Birmingham Christmas Markets have gained significant popularity, often appearing on various social media platforms. When planning a meetup with my university friend, we opted for Birmingham due to its central location between Manchester and Cardiff. To my surprise, Birmingham turned out to be even busier and rainier than Manchester, which is known for its hustle and bustle.
The train journey to Birmingham was crowded, with people almost sitting on my lap due to the lack of space. The continuous rain made it challenging to enjoy browsing the market stalls, and the city was bustling beyond my expectations, rivaling London in terms of activity.
The market area was packed with people, making it difficult to move around freely. Even reaching the Bull Ring shopping center proved to be a daunting task. Despite the festive atmosphere and attractive stalls, finding shelter from the rain was a struggle, as every covered bar was overflowing with patrons.
Although the stalls were beautifully decorated, my experience with the food, particularly the Bratwurst, left much to be desired. The crowded eateries made it challenging to find a place for lunch, with long queues even at popular spots like Bill’s.
The rainy weather took a toll on my appearance, leaving me feeling like a wet mess with frizzy hair. Additionally, the dye from my boots stained my socks as I navigated through puddles, adding to the unpleasant experience.
While it was impossible to control the weather, the unexpectedly high levels of crowding in Birmingham left me questioning if it was always this chaotic. Delays in transportation further added to the day’s challenges, with my friend experiencing a two-hour drive due to a canceled train.
Despite the chaotic day, spending time with my university friend was enjoyable, allowing us to catch up and reminisce. A warm shower upon returning home was a comforting end to a cold and damp day. Perhaps, for a more peaceful visit, I’ll consider exploring Birmingham once the Christmas markets have concluded.