I never thought I'd sing praises to a place in Alabama. As recently as half a year ago, I didn't think I'd ever visit here. Based on what little I heard of the state from the media, I imagined Alabama as a backward place populated by country hicks who sing corny songs and believe in a flat Earth that's 6,000 years old. Sadly, such people do live here. But for the most part, I had preconceived ideas which, in hindsight, were as accurate as the education about Kazakhstan that can be obtained from Borat.

For one thing, I didn't expect Birmingham to be this wonderful. I may have had excellent luck with weather - sunny every day I've been here - but it stands to reason this place would be lovely all year. Everything is so green. There are trees everywhere! Forests in the middle of the city! And everything is so well maintained. Wherever you look, the grass is manicured, flowering bushes adorn intersections, and elegant homes are gently nestled under the trees.

I've seen a fair number of cities in the US. I've been to New York, DC, Miami, Seattle, Las Vegas, L.A., San Francisco, and more come to mind. Birmingham is easily one of the nicest, if not the nicest city I've seen. It doesn't have much in terms of attractions - there isn't a Seaworld here, or an Eiffel Tower, or a Sydney Opera. But it is so pleasantly liveable.


Downtown




Neighborhoods




Botanical Gardens




The Zoo