On Wednesday morning before class, I decided that I wanted to grab breakfast from this coffee shop that I had read about online but couldn’t quite wrap my head around—The Attendant. Built in 1890 as a Victorian bathhouse, The Attendant now labels itself as “Europe’s most unique espresso & food bar spaces,” so obviously I had to experience it for myself (http://www.colourtesting.co.uk/attendant/). I mean just the thought of eating in a converted toilet was so out there that I couldn’t really fathom how it’s become so popular. The restaurant is on Foley Street, a short walk from the Goodge Street station, and was pretty easy to find. My first impression was of the ornate ironwork leading down to the interior which was quite stunning.
I then had to walk down into the ground to reach the restaurant. Honestly I was surprised by what I walked into; I never would have thought it possible for an old bathhouse to seem so homey and inviting. The space was well lit and there were multiple tables to eat at, although I chose to get the full experience and actually sit at one of the urinal booths. The staff was very friendly and went through the menu with me and gave me their recommendations. I ended up ordering blueberry bircher muesli and an English Breakfast tea, which were both presented in the cutest glassware.
After breakfast I traveled to the Green Park station to meet up with Sotheby’s for a visit to the Colnaghi Gallery, an Old Masters dealer in London. I don’t think I ever realized just how much research has to be done before buying a painting! I walked around the area afterward with a friend exploring the ins and outs of Old Bond Street.
I had some time before I was supposed to get to Besso for my internship, so I decided on a whim to stop at Westminster and try to find a coffee shop and wifi. However when I tried to leave the underground there were huge masses of people lining the streets around Parliament and the Abbey. I had absolutely no idea what was going on but I decided to stand in the crowd and find out. And boy am I glad that I did because I got to the see the Queen!! I didn’t even realize who she was (embarrassing, I know) until everyone around me started shouting and waving. It turns out that she had made a speech in Parliament earlier that day and I just happened to be around while she was returning to Buckingham Palace. So cool!
“Tried to find a Starbucks and found the queen instead #London #100happydays 28/100 at Westminster Abbey“
I spent the rest of the afternoon in the city of London, shadowing underwriters as they went about their day. Just being on the underwriter floor of Lloyd’s was really exciting and even though I’ve read extensively about it, I never really understood the dynamic between brokers and underwriters until I sat and observed the interactions for myself.
