That really is what it is like at the moment.
If I hadn't decided to return to work I'd be hammering nails into the wall with my head by now. (The walls are "blue" brick)
The first 20 went in a treat..... :)
I don't know what "blue" brick are.
The most interesting brick I've seen locally are in a building in Baltimore called the Commerce Building. As far as I can tell, the bricks they used are "double-fired", being made normally, and exposed to a sand or ceramic coating that is then sent back into the kiln to produce a smooth ceramic surface on the brick, even before it is assembled into walls.
They even have bull-nose bricks for the corner. It's a lot of effort and a very nice, and very permanent, effect.
That building also has a mural dedicated to modern transportation around the upper portion of one well-illuminated room. Featured on that mural is a distinguished looking four-funnel steamship recognizable to most. Yes, lads and ladies, a painting of the Titanic graces a mural in Baltimore!
You've got to keep your eyes open around this town!