July 14

My class is great! On Tuesday we visited the Insurance Institute of London and met with the Institute Secretary (CEO) of the Institute. She told us about what she though would come from Brexit and that France and Germany are already attempting to take over as the financial hub for Europe. We learned of the history behind the building and the financial district of the city. The building they are in is the oldest one, as it was the saved from the fires of London, but the ones around it were not so fortunate. They tell stories of how, supposedly, those that lived/worked in the building in the 1900's kicked burning cans onto the neighboring buildings so this particular one would be the supreme. They are the only insurance business in their area now, and are probably going to move in the near future. The IIL is really like a collective group of members in the insurance industry. Being a part of this association allows for networking opportunities and invitations to lectures from those higher up in the industry.

It started to downpour on our way back, and 3/5 TA&M guys didn't have an umbrella or raincoat, so they were drenched. I was responsible for getting them back to the study center, but they took the 15 minute walk to the metro with pride. They were soaked. It was hilarious. It did this constantly for the rest of the day, and at one point I was not going to run, but Alayna had gone to the gym, so I had to go. I ran for a decent 15 minutes before it started pouring again. I had my towel waiting for me, though, downstairs for when I got back. I'm really glad I don't need to constantly be wearing my glasses anymore.

Inside of Royal Courts of Justice

On Wednesday we had a fire drill, which I woke myself up for, because we knew it was happening, because the PA told Reid, who did not have to write a letter to his parents, even though he was in the building after us that last time. I'm not over it, because favoritism is not going to get her very far in the real world that she has yet to enter. I'm not a fan. Then FSU was taking a group to Westminster, but due to the fire alarm, there was about 10 minutes to get ready, which I chose not to do. I decided, that they were only going into the cathedral, which I could do on a Sunday morning while attending a service. Instead, Alayna, Reid and I watched movies and got burritos, my first one (they're special). Then, after the food coma wore off, I went on a very long run, that lasted way longer than expected, which ended up giving me blisters because I was wearing the wrong socks. I felt great though, so that's all that matters.

Courtroom inside Royal Courts of Justice

Today, Thursday, the 3 of us that were in class took a tour of "legal London." This is where all the lawyers (barristers and solicitors in the UK) come to study, intern and work. There are 4 Inns of Courts in London, and we walked through 3, and the Royal Courts of Justice. Being a apart of the Inn is similar to the Bar. In the UK, written exams were not required to study law until the 1870's. Instead, they would come and shadow others for 12 months. The first 6 months would be more like an intern, and the last 6 months they would be given their own small cases to work. It was also, and still is, required to eat 24 (now 12) meals at your Inn's dining hall. Someone used to read out scrolls of information while people ate, so they would consume food and knowledge. They no longer read while people are eating, but it is still required that one attends 12 meals a year to be considered a part of a certain Inn. Walking through the Royal Courts was really awesome, too. We couldn't take pictures, but the inside was built like a cathedral. We actually got to watch a case take place, for about 10 minutes. They were wearing their wigs and robes, of course. They are very big on traditions here. It was an overall great class.

One of the dining halls

I will also have to opportunity to sit in on an actuarial seminar Friday at JLT Reinsurance in London. My professor mentioned it, wondering if I would be interested in going to different events on days we didn't have class or ones after class hours. For this particular one he was thinking we would be gone on a trip (which we would be, but I'm not going), when I told him I would be here he sent an e-mail to them and I'm going. I'm so excited. I won't have any idea what they are talking about or what's happening, but I'll be there, even though it's only an hour, and I'm beyond excited for this opportunity. I actually called my dad right after class because I needed someone who would be excited for me to know what was going on. My roommates just thought that I was crazy...

Lincoln Inn Field

Around midnight, my friends and I sat around the BBC News channel to get updated on what happened in Nice. We were there for 2 hours. It's really sad, especially because it's becoming normal for us over here.