Birmingham as a phoenix: Reborn through art, artists, and music

When I first arrived in Birmingham, I remember the officer at the airport who checked my passport. I wasn't smiling at the time, but he kindly told me: "Enjoy, lady, you're going to like the cool weather compared to Saudi." That small moment really lifted my mood and made me feel welcome from the very beginning.

Another moment was when I arrived at my apartment. I had a lot of luggage, including a special art piece I brought from Saudi. It accidentally fell and broke, and I started crying. I really don’t know why, but I cried. But then, the security staff, the Uber driver, and even people nearby quickly came to help me. They carried all my things up to my apartment, not just to the door. In that moment, I truly felt how kind and human people can be. It made me feel supported and welcomed, and I realised that kindness can be found anywhere in the world.

What made Birmingham feel like home wasn't one big moment, but the quiet repetition of everyday life. No one told me this city would feel like a mother, but in its own silent way, it holds and comforts me. From my walks along the canal to spending time at Eilo café near the Mailbox, my favourite spot so far. These small, peaceful moments made me feel connected. Over time, I realised this is a place where I can build my life, not because it is loud or overwhelming, but because it feels calm, warm, and quietly supportive.

There's something special about the calm, repeated moments I experience there. The city feels gentle in those spaces, almost like it’s quietly holding you without saying anything. It's where I feel most at peace and connected to this city.

Before I even started my journey here, I heard too many bad stories about Birmingham, from the crime to the dirty streets, but when I arrived, I found something completely different. Like any city, some areas aren't perfect, but that's not the full picture. From my experience, Birmingham gave me a feeling I didn't expect it supported me in ways I had never felt before.

This city has a strong history. It went through so much during World War II, and today it feels like a place that has rebuilt itself through art, music, and its people. So, for me, Birmingham is like a phoenix, rising from its own ashes and becoming something creative and full of life.

If I were to say something, I would say please don't judge it before you experience it. There's much more to Birmingham than what people say.