Serenity and Equality - or lack of it!

Today we made a quick visit to Birmingham city centre - primarily to secure multiple copies of our marriage certificate. While we waited for the documentation we had a wander down to Brindley Place and took a short walk along the canal-side.

Birmingham has more miles of canals than Venice and more trees than Paris. But, unfortunately for the canals and trees, they are in Birmingham and not Venice or Paris. All the same, it always surprises me how different the city feels from the canal-side. At this point, we could see three bridges and the NIA in the distance; behind us the Broad Street Tunnel and the bustle of Broad St itself and yet there was a peaceful air to the place. Having recently travelled on one of the Canal Boats as part of a friend's 60th birthday celebration, I understand the tranquility which can be gained travelling this way.

No peace for the women though. Having collected the records, I have begun the arduous task of informing all and sundry of my marital name change. Passport, driving licence, utilities, mortgage... and yet my husband has none of these formalities. So much for equality eh?