Life: November 2019

Just a couple of events from a  recent trip to Birmingham:

Birmingham Back to Backs

On a cold November afternoon, we took a tour of the National Trust's Back to Back houses in Birmingham. I am not usually a fan of tours but this one was done so well and the houses are so tiny, that you really do need a tour. The trust owns the courtyard which shows the back to back houses through the eras, even after 1966 when they were deemed unfit for human habitation, they were still being used as shops.

What was particularly interesting was learning about a person or family who had actually lived in these houses, for example, the Levi family with their four children. Another family had 11 children in this tiny house, and at one point also housed a pair of lodgers!

It was a deeply fascinating experience and one which I would urge anyone to do if they have an interest in ordinary lives in history. The tour is free if you are a National Trust member, or £10.45 if not, but you do have to book in advance.

Kitty Cafe

My son and I booked a session in Birmingham's Kitty Cafe. This is a rescue centre for cats which also serves as a cafe where you book an hour slot to spend time with the cats. The cafe is completely geared up for the cats and they have plenty of aerial and floor space to roam and play safely.

Two of our favourites! As you can imagine, as soon as your cake with cream or coffee with milk comes out, the cats are right in there, so the cafe does provide a cover for your food! 

The experience was great and we had quite a large space to ourselves and were invited to wander and interact with the cats. However, it isn't very clear that there is an experience fee of £6 per person on top of any food that you purchase.

Booking essential.

German Christmas Market

You can't escape the Christmas Market at this time of year in Birmingham. Just walk around the centre to be accosted by the aroma of currywurst or a warm mug of gluhwein! I feel that if you've been once, there isn't a whole lot of benefit from going again, but it is unavoidable, and for some I suppose it marks the beginning of Christmas. If you are going, try to spend some time there when it is dark, as the experience in the evening is far preferable to that in the day.

Love Mrs Jones x