Hello Laughing Medusa readers! My name is Tamara and I’m one half of the creative artsy brains behind Red Coat Studio. The other half is my English husband James. I grew up in Philadelphia, USA and after meeting James, I moved right outside Birmingham, UK. Since Sarah is an urban pixie representing Canada and her lovely travels, I thought I’d share my urban adventures all the way from Philadelphia to Birmingham.
First thing I noticed was some similar differences, yes I know that doesn’t quite make sense, but you’ll realise what I mean. For example, in Philly we call the main downtown area Center City, in Birmingham we call it City Centre. See what I mean? Similar, yet different.
In both cities the streets are packed with people, the buildings are a mix of old and new, Birmingham of course having the upper hand on the older buildings. Which is one of my favourite things about England. If James and I decide to have a picnic, we head off to the castle grounds, yep a castle. The former home to a Danish King. For this Philly girl, the fact that I can eat a baguette while staring at history, amazes me!
Here’s a perfect example of how history appears right smack in the middle of a very modern Birmingham.
The urban residential homes are quite similar as well, but since it was the English who built the majority of downtown Philly, I’m not surprised. These row-homes in Philly, look almost identical to the ones found down our street in England.
Where to ‘guilty pleasure’ eat?
In Philadelphia, find a taco truck! I had some of the most freshest, natural tacos from this truck on 10th and Washington. Philly’s not all about cheese-steaks! Personally, I don’t think I could eat a cheese-steak at this point in my life. On a side note, when in Philly, find a street vender selling soft pretzels. They are different then the ones you get at Auntie Anne’s, and it’s the only food I truly missed after moving away.
In England, go to any local pub serving food, and you’ll find some Indian curry. Since moving to the UK, I’ve become a loyal fan to Indian food. I miss my Mexican food in the UK, it’s hard to find, but the abundance of Indian food in England is a fair trade.
Where to shop?
If you’re looking for alternative fashion, check out The Oasis in the Bull Ring shopping center in Birmingham. If you’re into purple hair like our friend Sarah, you’ll love this shop.
If you’re in Philly, you need to check out South Street’s shopping district. It was my main hangout spot all throughout my teenage years. Manic Panic, vintage dresses, I’m a product of 90s teen angst. The decade of the original hipsters.
One of my favourite moments shopping in Birmingham has been walking through the indoor mall and realising that Build-a-Bear is right next to Ann Summers’ adult shop. Please tell me you find this as funny as I do! I mean what are the chances! Can you guess which shop James and I went to? Here’s a hint, I’m not into teddy bears.
Philly has a great deal of outdoor art, sides of buildings are canvases to huge murals, many of the shop fronts are extremely colourful. Yes, I’m posting another photo of an adult shop. No, I didn’t shop at this one, I’m only a part-time freak.
Even on side streets in Philly you’ll find little fun pieces of street art. My favourite outdoor exhibit in Philadelphia is the Magic Gardens. If you find yourself in Philly, check it out, you’ll love it! On another side note, I have to mention the Urban Arts Fesitval that occured in our local neighborhood. It was SO much fun!
And my final tidbit… for all you coffee lovers, when in England, you are in the land of tea drinkers. In America, the hot beverage aisle is almost completely dedicated to coffee, with a small section at the end for tea. In England, it’s the complete opposite! Fortunately, I drink both and can easily adapt, but if I had to pick one I couldn’t live without, it would be a strong cup of coffee for sure. However, I’d pass on those moments when I’m in the UK, ordering the ‘Americano’, which is just a regular cup of coffee, in my American accent. It’s quite an awkward moment!
No matter where I go, I love to try local foods, find the local shops, and mingle with the local people. I feel it’s the only way you get a real authentic experience of travel.
I’d like to give a big thanks to Sarah for asking me to come and say hi to you, while she’s traveling on more adventures. Feel free to stop by our blog anytime!
x Tamara
Thanks for having us on your blog Sarah! x Tamara