Take the rough with the smooth

My wife was wont to refer to the area around here as "the arsehole of the country", particularly when we were returning from a nice holiday in the countryside or by the sea, and coming back up the M5 and suddenly seeing the smog and grime of the Black Country laid out before us. A bit harsh, I always thought, but there's no doubt that if you're looking for pretty scenery or a peaceful, laid-back ambiance, then you wouldn't choose here. On the other hand, it does have its advantages. You're right in the middle of things, with easy access to innumerable theatres, cinemas, restaurants, art galleries, museums, leisure centres and so on. Then there are so many shops and other retail outlets in such a concentrated area that competition is cutthroat and prices just about as cheap as anywhere. And - very pertinent at the moment - we are relatively high up and so don't get serious flooding!