As you might have seen from my Facebook page, I’ve just returned from beautiful Birmingham, England, birthplace of time travel discoverer Dr. Gillian Bennet. One of my greatest passions in life, other than writing, is helping refugees and other recent migrants develop the literacy skills they need to thrive in their new homes. I was privileged to have the chance to visit friends who are doing this work in one of the world’s most diverse cities. There was also ample time for some first-hand research for the upcoming Once Upon My Mind quadrilogy and other possible future works.
And, as you do in 2017, I also took a lot of pictures of food.
You can’t leave England without a Sunday roast, complete with David Andrews’s beverage of choice.
Or Victoria sponge cake, with hot custard.
Speaking of custard, this dinner was just what the Doctor ordered (though I don’t recommend making that much custard.)
I ran into an old friend of mine from the States at the cinema.
Fun fact: the Welcome Break Riley &c stop at in Chapter 2 of Time and Tenacity was originally a Pizza Express. (“What is pizz-uh?” Eleanor would have asked.) I changed pizza to doughnuts when I realize the gang would have to leave earlier in the day, but “pizz-uh” is still a must-stop for me whenever I’m in England.
Unfortunately, I was too busy devouring the delicious curries and kebabs I ate on this trip to take any pictures, but take my word for it, don’t leave England without trying a few, especially with fresh roti or naan! (Pic from Wikipedia.)
And, of course, when you’re right by the home of Cadbury chocolate, you must make a visit to the factory!
Now that I’m in the States again and more or less recovered from jet lag, it’s time to grab a cup of coffee in my new Warwick Castle mug and turn all those research notes from Once Upon My Mind into engaging imagery! I’m looking forward to sharing the first look with you this summer.
Hannah Vale 