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Countryside girl sees new side to city on boat

Aida Fofana,West Midlandsand
Sarah Julian,BBC Radio WM
News imageBeck Evans A person sits on a wooden bench holding a small dog on a red leash in front of a canal-side walkway. Behind the bench is a black iron gate with a sign reading “Black Sabbath Bridge,” along with posters and life-size cutout silhouettes of band members. The bench has engraved names “Geezer,” “Ozzy,” “Tony,” and “Bill,” and the text “Made in Birmingham 1968.” In the background, a red-brick building with a clock tower rises to the left, while modern buildings and a canal stretch into the distance under a bright blue sky with scattered clouds. Beck Evans
Beck Evans spent 10 days exploring Birmingham from the city's canal network

A content creator who has spent years avoiding city life says a visit to Birmingham completely changed her perception of the city.

Beck Evans, known online as Beck Goes Solo, lives full-time on a narrowboat and has always preferred the peace and quiet of the countryside, she said.

But after mooring her boat, Athena, in Birmingham, the Staffordshire-born creator found herself surprised by what the city had to offer.

"I never thought I'd love life in a city," she said.

Evans spent 10 days exploring Birmingham from the city's canal network, having initially arrived with reservations about what she would find.

She said she had previously viewed Birmingham as busy and overwhelming, but quickly discovered a different side to the city.

News imageBeck Evans A person stands beside a large bronze bull statue outside a modern shopping complex with glass walls and a curved canopy roof. The person is wearing a sleeveless patterned top, dark shorts, and sandals, and has visible tattoos on one leg. Behind them, the building façade features a large Nike swoosh logo, and people are sitting on steps or walking through the open plaza. Bright sunlight casts strong shadows across the paved ground. Beck Evans
The content creator, who was born and raised in rural Staffordshire

"It completely changed my opinion," she said. "Birmingham isn't too far away from me, but I've only ever sort of been to Birmingham to shop.

"Everyone kind of gives the city a bad rep, but going on the narrowboat, I really had chance to explore what Birmingham's really about."

Travelling by narrowboat allowed her to experience Birmingham at a slower pace and appreciate its waterways, green spaces and communities.

"The whole energy of Birmingham was incredible.

"Along the canals there's so many people who use the towpath as a way of exercising...and I was really surprised how much nature there is around and this sense of community that Birmingham brings."

The content creator, who was born and raised in rural Staffordshire, said she was struck by the city's vibrant atmosphere and welcoming residents.

During her stay, she also explored the city with her dog and documented the experience for her social media followers.

"It was a bit surreal taking my dog into the city centre, because it's not something that I'd normally think to do, but it was great just walking into town and it was a whole new experience for her as well," she said.

Despite spending much of her life steering clear of urban areas, Beck added that Birmingham had left a lasting impression.

"I'm really sorry, Birmingham, that I had some preconceptions of you, but you are a fantastic place, and everyone there is lovely."

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