Birmingham and Market Drayton

Jamies parents house with Tony, Anthony, Jamie, John and Erin
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To backtrack only a little suppose we should start from Heathrow airport in London.  We were met by some familiar and friendly faces, Johnny and Alison.  It was a delight to see them there waiting for us.  It was probably only 1/2 an hour or so that we spent with them but still fantastic.

After some confusion and local help we found the bus, a hotel hopper to our hotel, the Holiday inn, one of three holiday inn at the airport, thus confusion.  Our room was nice enough but we were so exhausted we think we could have fallen and slept anywhere.

Fish and chips...would you like some mushy peas?? or perhaps bake beans?..Jamie went for the peas.
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Monday, Jamie and Anthony came to pick us up and take us to Kidderminster about 3 hour drive North.  A lovely town, but must admit we only really saw a few pubs.  Drinks were had with the Fillingham family, it was a nice introduction to one of Englands cultures, beer drinking.

The next day Jamie and Anthony drove us to Birmingham, Englands second largest city.  On the way though we had to stop for some english fish and chips.  Some choose to eat theirs with mushy peas.

Erin in front of our hotel in Market Drayton. we are in the top right room. (the one in the roof)
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Birmingham was busy, and everything was made of bricks.  We stayed in a nice enough backpackers, friendly and cheap (well cheap for the uk)  It was about $75 australian for the both of us.  We went out for Balti on Wednesday night, it is a curry that was actually created in Birmingham, it has a big Asian, well for us Indian/Pakistani population. It was very tastey and not hot at all.

Yesterday we made our way to a small town, called Market Drayton.  It was a bit of an adventure.  We had to catch one train and two buses, but we made it. And this is where we are now.  It's a very small town but is lovely all the same. We came here in hunt of a campervan.  Fingers crossed to buy it but it's on ebay so we just dont know what will happen with the auction.

John in the courtyard at the backpackers. equiped with his Jim Beam stubbie holder.
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Our hotel/BB is pretty nice and well above our budget but unfortunately there is limited accommoadation.  Our room is above a pub that was built in the mid 1600's, you can feel the history. Oh it has a lovely big spa bath so Erin is making the most of it. We are here for one more night, and then tomorrow we don't know, might have to figure that out over a few pints. Happy hour is in 2 hours, making a pint about $3 australian, and a bargain here.

Talk soon, love you all. xo