Birmingham anyone? - Probably not going to make it

[mssocks]

Hi All - I don't know if my sister posted over here yet, if she did, ignore me!

In August, my nephew will be coming to Birmingham for the Tae Kwon-Do World Cup competition. He just qualified for Team USA this weekend. And I just could not stand it if he was there and I was here. So I'm coming too! I've spent holidays in Edinburgh and areas north, Galway and areas thereabouts, and London. There has to be a way to add on a day or two to revisit Scotland.

Anyway, just wanted to say hi and warn you that I will be asking TONS of questions and advice.

Anyone have any questions about Philadelphia? I'd be glad to reciprocate!

 

[mandymouse]

Hi there

Congratulations to your nephew, I hope he does well in the World Cup

 

[Deedee]

Hi fire away with the questions. I live about 30 minutes from birmingham and Dh works there.

 

[emily1982]

Hi I live near Birmingham also, going their tonight to watch a show actually. Ask away!

 

[mssocks]

Oh thanks so much! We are just in a tizzy over this whole thing - very short notice! I'm hoping to find out just WHERE the competition will be. That will help with hotel choices. My sister needs handicapped-accessibilty so no B&B's. Right now I'm arguing with my computer trying to find out which is better, Philadelphia to London and train to Birmingham or from Philly straight to B'ham. I can't get any train fares to show up other than the rail pass. That looks like a very good deal, I've used them before. Are they still good on the bus as well?

I was delighted to find out it is the home of ...... CADBURY!!

As far as weather I'm remembering jeans and short sleeved shirts? Of course it was in 1981 This would be prime holiday time - end of July, beginning of August.

 

[piratesmate]

The Proud Mom here!

The venue is the NIA - National Indoor Arena.

ETA: The clarification of the venue was for MsSocks, not the UK natives.

 

[T16GEM]

Hi there!
I live in Birmingham so might be able to help you!

As far as the weather goes I would suggest bringing a couple of long sleeved tops just incase it's not that warm - although they are predictiing the hottest summer here for years - our weather is still rather un predictable!!

If you can post where you need to stay I should be able to help you with some hotel suggestions - a budget might be a good idea too!

HTH
Gems

 

[piratesmate]

Hi there!
I live in Birmingham so might be able to help you!

As far as the weather goes I would suggest bringing a couple of long sleeved tops just incase it's not that warm - although they are predictiing the hottest summer here for years - our weather is still rather un predictable!!

If you can post where you need to stay I should be able to help you with some hotel suggestions - a budget might be a good idea too!

HTH
Gems

Budget would be "Cheap" without being "seedy", if you get my meaning. This is very last minute (there was a misunderstanding & we thought it was in 2008) so we haven't been able to save ahead. But we'd like it to be someplace nice at the same time.

 

[emily1982]

There are quite a few big chain hotels around that area but might be quite expensive. There are alot of B&B's around and im pretty sure one of them would have wheelchair accesability, otherwise if you check out www.travelodge.co.uk they sometimes have saver details if you click on the left hand side of page, there are a few hotels around that area and i'm pretty sure there is one by the NIA.

 

[emily1982]

I've just have done a search on the travellodge room, disabled and it came to £76 per night.

 

[Deedee]

Will you be hiring a car while you are here or using public transport ie; bus cab etc. This will also be a deciding factor for the hotel.

 

[T16GEM]

Will you be hiring a car while you are here or using public transport ie; bus cab etc. This will also be a deciding factor for the hotel.

Yes certainly will. Good idea Deedee.

The chain hotels will be more expensive, but there are quite a few B&Bs on the A45 (Coventry Road) which is just outside of Birmingham, this area also has good transport links, 5 mins car/ taxi to the airport or train station, buses outside them etc.

I will try and find some names to post for you.

 

[mssocks]

Wow thanks! I'm not sure what the "adults" will choose regarding transportation. ( Ok - I'm 50 yrs old but I refuse to grow up ) I'd be good with a bus pass, but my sister may not be able to do the steps. If we rent a car I will be hiding my eyes the whole time. A friend and I rented a car in Edinburgh back in 1981 and I had to navigate out of the city. Horrifying experience as my friend was not a good driver and didn't listen to my excellent directions. We did fine in rural areas though. I know Deb will be checking this post as well - between the two of us we can read everything you find for us! But today at lunch break I am applying for my new passport!

 

[emily1982]

I personally never drive into Birmingham unless i really really have to its abit mad! I'd use public transport, the trains are quite good.

 

[mssocks]

Well, it doesn't look good for me to be able to come to Birmingham. And after all your good wishes and ideas!

My niece needs to spend some time in hospital, so DSis and DBIL won't be able to come. Somehow I missed out on booking arrangements with my nephew and the team. They will be staying at Jury Inn. That place is pretty well booked up now.

As much as I like to think I am a great traveler, the truth is I feel uncomfortable coming so far and staying alone. The kid will be with the team and I don't think I'm brave enough to just hop on a bus from the hotel to the arena. If I had someone to share the experience with, that would be different. None of my friends or acquaintances would be up for a major trip with so little notice. Actually, I don't even know if my passport will come in time.

So I am feeling sorry for myself for no good reason. I could click on the website and book myself a flight and hotel, nothing is stopping me but cash and disappointment. Gee I need to get over myself!

Thank you so much for all your kind advice. If the situation changes I will be shouting it out on all the boards.

 

[Deedee]

Well, it doesn't look good for me to be able to come to Birmingham. And after all your good wishes and ideas!

My niece needs to spend some time in hospital, so DSis and DBIL won't be able to come. Somehow I missed out on booking arrangements with my nephew and the team. They will be staying at Jury Inn. That place is pretty well booked up now.

As much as I like to think I am a great traveler, the truth is I feel uncomfortable coming so far and staying alone. The kid will be with the team and I don't think I'm brave enough to just hop on a bus from the hotel to the arena. If I had someone to share the experience with, that would be different. None of my friends or acquaintances would be up for a major trip with so little notice. Actually, I don't even know if my passport will come in time.

So I am feeling sorry for myself for no good reason. I could click on the website and book myself a flight and hotel, nothing is stopping me but cash and disappointment. Gee I need to get over myself!

Thank you so much for all your kind advice. If the situation changes I will be shouting it out on all the boards.

Oh thats such a shame i had spoken to a few of us locals and we were looking forward to meeting you. Never mind at the end of the day your nieces health comes first give her big hugs from us