Birmingham, Saturday 24th July, 2010.

1) We've come to Birmingham today to actually venture inside an Art Gallery (gulp) and have a look around the Steve McCurry exhibition. Very good it is too and we decide that the 'eyes have it'. Thus inspired, we set off around the city centre and take even more photos than usual to put on this blog and clog up the Internet. Mr McCurry would be proud.

2) Vicky's eye is drawn to this mosaic detailing on the City Of Birmingham Art School building which used to be the Ear Eye and Nose Hospital.

3) Architectural juxtaposition, typical of modern Birmingham. From left to right: Art School (see above), modern office block, and the Art Gallery.

4) We love to play the 'which one would we own' game every time we spot a precious motorcycle
parking space. Didn't take us long to debate this one.

5) Two together? And they both work? In the age of the mobile 'phone we can't help wonder who uses them. People who can't get a signal, maybe?

6) Time for some scran in Hudson's Coffee House. Food Police 'not hap' as cream teas and cheesy bacon sarnies are purchased. Nice place and it has got real bonafide waiters and waitresses. How posh.

7) Today's musical entertainment in Victoria Square is provided by the Hare Krishna people. That's all we're saying. Said too much already.

8) The 'entertainment' in Chamberlain Square, by way of a contrast, is provided by two big cranes lifting an iron girder-thingy and dropping it down again. Dunno for what purpose. Wasn't clear. Perhaps that was what made it all so interesting to so many passers by? Well, it was raining a bit.

9) Whilst the shower passes over we nip into the Symphony Hall to have a gawp at the auditorium. It's not exactly 'Rock City' is it?We've seen Van Morrison here (Vicky fell asleep), Ben Elton, and The Christians over the years. Possibly others, but we can't recall now.

10) The chap who designed this was also responsible for 'The Gherkin'. This is 'The Cube' and is supposed to look a bit like a Jewellery Box with some of its compartments open. Hmmmmm. We think Lunnon got the best deal (but only just).

11) We're now inside The Mail Box and Vicky's gone off to browse around Harvey Nics before we head back to the car park and the drive home.

12) Back home and all the fruits of the forest (recently purchased from Waitrose) are heaped in a bread envelope. Now all Vicky has to do is add several pounds of suger (well, it is one of Delia's) and we'll have enough Summer Pudding for the entire week.

13) The finished Puddin' (one of 'em). Could be the cause of a lot of, ahem, bathroom activity wouldn't you say? Food Police very hap tho' which is, we are sure you'll agree, the main thing.