Top of the morning to ya!
We awoke this fine London day with money on our minds. We boarded the Tube to class, but some of us accidentally boarded the Eastbound train across the platform, so they were a little later to arrive. Today’s session covered the institution that circulates our money, more specifically the banking system within the UK. Our amazing professor, Dr. Cohen, touched on the history of banking, the function of money, and the purpose of these institutions in our society. We learned London has a higher density of banks overall compared to New York City; it could be considered the banking capital of the world! He also imparted a new British tradition on the class - call out latecomers with the term, “Wanker.” We put this new information into immediate use and proceeded to condemn our tardy friends by screaming out “wanker” as they arrived at the Royal Exchange (needless to say, we received numerous side eyes, incredulous glances, and embarrassed laughs from unsuspecting passer bys). Lunchtime approached and a group of us headed to an Indian restaurant to try England's national dish. chicken tikka masala. Everyone agreed the food was fantastic (very spicy too - I cried) and very different to the stereotypical and, let’s be honest, bland English beans on toast. Another group of us went to a pub nearby, and while the food was good, quiet and empty 11 a.m. pub vibes are definitely not the right vibes. They made up for it by eating incredibly disappointing blackberries while chilling in a park. Yet another group went to an Asian restaurant, Wagamama, where they ate some delicious noodles. Once we had all gathered our bearings, we began our tour of the Central Bank, which was founded in 1694. Exploring the museum within the central bank, we all gained a deeper understanding of the banking system in the UK and were given the exciting opportunity to touch and lift a bar of solid gold (surprisingly heavy!). Our day spent on banking ties into the concept of the situated self. As active citizens in a world connected with money, it’s important that we understand the context in which we exist so we can better comprehend our role in society. With the museum tour completed, the group dispersed as some Brown Scholars scurried back to the hotel (and Tesco for a quick grab-n-go meal deal) to prepare for the Phantom of the Opera. The show was fire (literally, the pyrotechnics were but of this world!). After a very lengthy and well-deserved standing ovation, we regrouped outside of the theatre for a photo session in front of the show posters. Selfie-satisfied, we boarded the Tube for a late night ride to The Inn where our London eyes shut closed for the night.
Cheerio from Julia, Michelle, Zach
