I just returned from a few days in the Fantasy Island of insurance--lovely Bermuda--where I covered a Professional Liability Underwriting Society conference. Next Tuesday, I'll blog about some troubles in paradise, but for today, I would like to dwell on all that I love about Bermuda. Feel free to share your own tales of travels to this haven for insurers, brokers and buyers alike.
To prove to you that I was actually working in Bermuda, I did file two serious stories yesterday, including one in which the U.S. consul general had some harsh words about threats to the Bermuda insurance market. (Click here for my story on the consul general, and here for another about how the faltering economy will impact the employment practices liability market.
Other stories I filed involved a debate over marketing a single Bermuda form for multi-carrier, excess layer coverage (click here), and one other one on opportunities in the emerging cyberliability market (click here).
Tuesday, I'll have more to say about the existential angst I detected on the island during my stay. But for now, here is a list of all that I enjoy about this unique port of call.
--Bermuda is what "Insuranceland" would look like if Disney added such a unit to its Epcot Center. On practically every block in downtown Hamilton, you see a major insurance company or brokerage office. It's almost impossible to sit down at any public place and not run into someone you know from the business. (That can be both terrifically convenient and terribly claustrophobic.)
--All the beautiful, pastel-colored homes, surrounded by gorgeous beaches and a veritable island-wide botanic garden.
--The exquisite peace and quiet. I visit every few years, but have yet to notice anyone picking up their pace. "Summer hours" already see most offices closed by 3 on Fridays, while most stores are closed before 6. Sundays, you can hardly find a merchant doing business. Bermuda is without a doubt the most relaxing place I've ever been to. This city boy would go stir crazy within a week, but for a few days, there is no place like it.
--Rum Swizzles and Dark & Stormy drinks.
--Grown men in jackets and ties, riding on scooters in Bermuda shorts and high socks. They truly make it look like fun to get up and go to work in the morning.
--The statue of my favorite travel writer, Mark Twain--a frequent visitor to, and enthusiastic booster of, Bermuda in his day--sitting in the lobby of the elegant Hamilton Princess Hotel, calmly smoking his pipe.
--Displays of Cuban cigars all over the island. I don't smoke, and in fact have never even tried a cigar, but the forbidden nature of the long-banned Cuban delicacy in the U.S. makes me wish I did.
--The island's signature dish--its fish chowder--which is enhanced with Gosling's Dark Rum and a touch of sherry. You've got to love a place that spikes its soup!
--Last, but not least, the fact that there isn't one Starbucks franchise to be found!!! At last, I have found a haven from the Borg of the coffee world, determined to assimilate us all!
Did I miss anything???
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