Birmingham Christmas Markets are widely acclaimed and frequently featured on social media. When planning a meetup with my university friend, we opted for Birmingham as it centrally located between Manchester, my hometown, and Cardiff, her residence. To my surprise, Birmingham turned out to be even busier and rainier than Manchester, known for its hustle and bustle and rainy weather.
The train journey to Birmingham was crowded, with people almost sitting on top of each other in the aisles. The continuous rain made it challenging to explore the market stalls, and the city itself was packed, rivaling even London in its busyness.
Navigating through the throngs of people at the stalls and around the Bull Ring shopping center proved to be a daunting task. Despite the festive and charming atmosphere of the markets, finding a moment of respite from the rain was a challenge, as the covered bars were equally crowded.
Sampling my first Bratwurst left me unimpressed, leading me to discard it after a few bites. The quest for lunch was equally challenging, with long queues at every eatery we tried. The inclement weather left me feeling like a drowned rat, with my hair frizzing uncontrollably in all directions.
Walking through puddles caused the dye from my Uggs to leak onto my socks, adding to the unpleasant experience of the day. The unexpectedly busy streets and adverse weather conditions made me question if Birmingham is always this congested.
Despite the chaotic day, spending time with my university friend was a highlight, offering a chance to catch up and enjoy each other’s company. A warm shower upon returning home was a welcomed relief from the cold and dampness. Perhaps my next visit to Birmingham will be planned after the Christmas markets have concluded.