The City of Birmingham in the County of West Midlands, at the heart of England, and aspiring to be at the heart of Europe. A city which proclaims itself to be "Europe's meeting place", just because the G8 met here once. A city often derided for its apparent architecture (viz. Spaghetti Junction), ridiculed for its apparently impenetrable accent.

But how many critics of this city have visited it in the past few years? They wouldn't recognise the vibrant city, reflected in the content of this section.

Additionally, find out a few good cycling routes around the region, either off road or along the canal network.

And no visit could be complete without visiting my special tribute to Spaghetti Junction.

But for balance, there is an alternative view of the city's architectural heritage from Euphoria, or a more conventional browse of my selected photos of the city. And the interesting Railtrack article on New Street Station.

For more pictures yet, have a look at the ImagesOfBirmingham site.

Intro to the City of Birmingham according to Birmingham University

The Met Office Midlands Forecast

Knowhere - random scribblings by the public at large about Birmingham