Hey folks,
As promised, here are the pictures from the cerimony at Lloyd's.
They aren't very good as they were taken from the 7th floor... Enjoy anyway. :)
They aren't very good as they were taken from the 7th floor... Enjoy anyway. :)
Sunday, November 9, 2008
Friday, November 7, 2008
Lloyd's Pomp and Cerimony
Just moments ago, while I work, I noticed that several people straight across the building from me were looking out their windows and down to the ground floor of the Lloyd's building. Unless you have been inside, it's hard to describe the architecture of this building, but never the less from where I am on the 7th floor, I can see straight down to the main underwriting floor.
Anyway. Upon noticing these folks looking out the window, my first thought was... Don't jump! Obviously I thought this was comical because the entire wall is made of glass therefore you would have to break the window to jump. Joking aside, I began to notice that they were not the only ones looking down, and then my focus changed to the event occurring downstairs. Soon the sound of a bagpipe was ringing through the entire building. I could hear it distinctly and clearly through the glass. With all the pomp, ceremony and even costumary (not sure if that’s a word) that one would expect from England, a wreath laying ceremony unfolded before my eyes. I even got to hear the Lloyd's bell rung.
If you are not familiar with the history of Lloyd's this probably doesn't mean a lot to you, but for an insurance nerd like me, this was pretty remarkable... Let me explain. Lloyd's was originally a coffee shop here in London and folks used to gather there to hear news of merchant ships coming back and forth. Eventually, they began guaranteeing the risk or contents of these ships among one another and thus the idea of modern insurance was born. Well, at the old coffee shop, there was a bell that was wrung whenever a ship went down in transit. This bell is now housed on the main underwriting floor of the Lloyd's building and is wrung when major tragic events occur, such as the terrorist attach of 911. Inevitably it is a solemn occasion.
After asking my customer, I was told that Sunday is Remembrance Sunday here in the UK, much like Veteran’s Day in the U.S. As a part of that and the history of Lloyd’s, the ceremony took place today to honor all of those who have died in military service. I know that watching this ceremony will be something to mark my time here in London. I was able to participate in something most people never see in a lifetime. Because I was 7 floors up and through a thick plate of glass, I could not hear anything from this ceremony save the bagpipe music, the sound of buglers trumping and the single ring of the afore mentioned bell... I wish you could have been here to experience it with me. Hopefully I will be able to post a few of the quick photos I took through the window later today.
Anyway. Upon noticing these folks looking out the window, my first thought was... Don't jump! Obviously I thought this was comical because the entire wall is made of glass therefore you would have to break the window to jump. Joking aside, I began to notice that they were not the only ones looking down, and then my focus changed to the event occurring downstairs. Soon the sound of a bagpipe was ringing through the entire building. I could hear it distinctly and clearly through the glass. With all the pomp, ceremony and even costumary (not sure if that’s a word) that one would expect from England, a wreath laying ceremony unfolded before my eyes. I even got to hear the Lloyd's bell rung.
If you are not familiar with the history of Lloyd's this probably doesn't mean a lot to you, but for an insurance nerd like me, this was pretty remarkable... Let me explain. Lloyd's was originally a coffee shop here in London and folks used to gather there to hear news of merchant ships coming back and forth. Eventually, they began guaranteeing the risk or contents of these ships among one another and thus the idea of modern insurance was born. Well, at the old coffee shop, there was a bell that was wrung whenever a ship went down in transit. This bell is now housed on the main underwriting floor of the Lloyd's building and is wrung when major tragic events occur, such as the terrorist attach of 911. Inevitably it is a solemn occasion.
After asking my customer, I was told that Sunday is Remembrance Sunday here in the UK, much like Veteran’s Day in the U.S. As a part of that and the history of Lloyd’s, the ceremony took place today to honor all of those who have died in military service. I know that watching this ceremony will be something to mark my time here in London. I was able to participate in something most people never see in a lifetime. Because I was 7 floors up and through a thick plate of glass, I could not hear anything from this ceremony save the bagpipe music, the sound of buglers trumping and the single ring of the afore mentioned bell... I wish you could have been here to experience it with me. Hopefully I will be able to post a few of the quick photos I took through the window later today.
Monday, November 3, 2008
Finished my scarf
Today I finished my scarf. I started knitting it last winter to go with my new coat, but didn't actually get it finished. With the weather here getting colder, I decided it was time I finished it. And it is with great pleasure I announce that it is done. Hurray!
Monday, October 27, 2008
Walking with the foxes
Okay, so maybe the title is a little bit deceptive, but today I got up early and went out for some excercise. The streets of Weybridge were utterly deserted (as they should be at 5 a.m.) but I did run into an interesting little visitor. At first when I saw it, I thought it was a stray dog or cat, but having not seen any stray animals since I got here, I thought it was rather odd. When I got closer, I realized it wasn't a dog or cat at all... It was a fox! That's right... just trotting through the middle of town.
I know absolutely nothing about foxes execpt that they are wise and cunning... This I of course learned from fables. I was a little apprehensive as I approached it not knowing what to expect. He stood his ground though... Brave little guy. A few moments later a car pulled around the corner and scared him off.
I don't honestly know what I would have done had I gotten all the way up the street to where he stood. I probably would have tried to chase him off, much like I would a dog, but not knowing the behavior of foxes am glad that I didn't have to do that.
As a result, I am spending some time today studying up on foxes and I am investing in a headlamp so that I can see better on my early morning trots.
Happy Monday!
I know absolutely nothing about foxes execpt that they are wise and cunning... This I of course learned from fables. I was a little apprehensive as I approached it not knowing what to expect. He stood his ground though... Brave little guy. A few moments later a car pulled around the corner and scared him off.
I don't honestly know what I would have done had I gotten all the way up the street to where he stood. I probably would have tried to chase him off, much like I would a dog, but not knowing the behavior of foxes am glad that I didn't have to do that.
As a result, I am spending some time today studying up on foxes and I am investing in a headlamp so that I can see better on my early morning trots.
Happy Monday!
Thursday, October 23, 2008
Commuting in the dark...
As summer has given way to autumn in London, the days have grown shorter and shorter. I have found that I now commute to and from work in the dark. I am told that it will only get worse as daylight savings time ends and winter sets in...
I am not entirely opposed to this, but I suppose I didn't realize how much farther north I was latitudinally compared to Missouri... Regardless, I am enjoying the crisp air and the falling leaves that come with autumn. Another nice thing is that I get to enjoy London in the dark. It is a really beautiful city all lit up in the darkness... I suppose I didn't get much of that in the summer when the sun stayed up until after 10p.m. (seriously)
I don't guess I have much else to write, but for the benefit of Tracey, I am at least writing something :)
Happy Autumn!
I am not entirely opposed to this, but I suppose I didn't realize how much farther north I was latitudinally compared to Missouri... Regardless, I am enjoying the crisp air and the falling leaves that come with autumn. Another nice thing is that I get to enjoy London in the dark. It is a really beautiful city all lit up in the darkness... I suppose I didn't get much of that in the summer when the sun stayed up until after 10p.m. (seriously)
I don't guess I have much else to write, but for the benefit of Tracey, I am at least writing something :)
Happy Autumn!
Friday, October 17, 2008
Some time at home
This past week I have been back in Bolivar. It has been really great to see friends and family I haven't seen since going to the UK... I think that sometimes you don't realize how much you miss people and things until you get to see them again.
It's Friday and my last day in Bolivar... I know it will be a day full of goodbyes and I am a bit sad already thinking about that...
I am so thankful for all of the awesome people God has put in my life. Could I be any more blessed? I don't think it's possible.
If you are reading this, chances are I love you very much!
It's Friday and my last day in Bolivar... I know it will be a day full of goodbyes and I am a bit sad already thinking about that...
I am so thankful for all of the awesome people God has put in my life. Could I be any more blessed? I don't think it's possible.
If you are reading this, chances are I love you very much!
Monday, October 6, 2008
Heading Home
On Friday I will be boarding a plane to head back to the US for 10 days. Initially this was planned to be an enjoyable visit in order to get my winter clothes, etc. Unfortunatley, while I am home I will also be moving from my duplex to a storage shed. Sounds like fun huh? I know that it is the best decision, but it is not one that was made with lots of excitement... I am still looking forward to stuffing myself with all of the mexican food I can hold and recieving love from all of my friends and family... I have a feeling that those 10 days are going to pass far to quickly...
Lately I have been thinking of what comes next... What lies ahead? At this point I have absolutely no idea. I am not altogether sure that I would be happy in Bolivar, but at the same time am not altogether sure I want to stay here... I have a feeling that big changes are in the works and I look to them with anticipation. It's funny that I am an adult and have to make decisions... I certainly never would have imagined I'd be in this place... In it all, God is good and he works things together for our good when we love him and follow his purpose for us. Can't wait to see where that leads...
Lately I have been thinking of what comes next... What lies ahead? At this point I have absolutely no idea. I am not altogether sure that I would be happy in Bolivar, but at the same time am not altogether sure I want to stay here... I have a feeling that big changes are in the works and I look to them with anticipation. It's funny that I am an adult and have to make decisions... I certainly never would have imagined I'd be in this place... In it all, God is good and he works things together for our good when we love him and follow his purpose for us. Can't wait to see where that leads...
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