I just returned from a few days in the Fantasy Island ofinsurance--lovely Bermuda--where I covered a Professional LiabilityUnderwriting Society conference. Next Tuesday, I'll blog about sometroubles in paradise, but for today, I would like to dwell on allthat I love about Bermuda. Feel free to share your own tales oftravels to this haven for insurers, brokers and buyers alike.

To prove to you that I was actually working in Bermuda, I did filetwo serious stories yesterday, including one in which the U.S.consul general had some harsh words about threats to the Bermudainsurance market. (Click here for my story on the consul general, and here for another about how the faltering economy will impactthe employment practices liability market.

Other stories I filed involved a debate over marketing a singleBermuda form for multi-carrier, excess layer coverage (clickhere), and one other one on opportunities in the emergingcyberliability market (click here).

Tuesday, I'll have more to say about the existential angst Idetected on the island during my stay. But for now, here is a listof all that I enjoy about this unique port of call.

--Bermuda is what "Insuranceland" would look like if Disneyadded such a unit to its Epcot Center. On practically every blockin downtown Hamilton, you see a major insurance company orbrokerage office. It's almost impossible to sit down at any publicplace and not run into someone you know from the business. (Thatcan be both terrifically convenient and terriblyclaustrophobic.)

--All the beautiful, pastel-colored homes, surrounded bygorgeous beaches and a veritable island-wide botanic garden.

--The exquisite peace and quiet. I visit every few years, buthave yet to notice anyone picking up their pace. "Summer hours"already see most offices closed by 3 on Fridays, while most storesare closed before 6. Sundays, you can hardly find a merchant doingbusiness. Bermuda is without a doubt the most relaxing place I'veever been to. This city boy would go stir crazy within a week, butfor 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 Bermudashorts and high socks. They truly make it look like fun to get upand go to work in the morning.

--The statue of my favorite travel writer, Mark Twain--afrequent visitor to, and enthusiastic booster of, Bermuda in hisday--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 natureof the long-banned Cuban delicacy in the U.S. makes me wish Idid.

--The island's signature dish--its fish chowder--which isenhanced with Gosling's Dark Rum and a touch of sherry. You've gotto love a place that spikes its soup!

--Last, but not least, the fact that there isn't one Starbucksfranchise to be found!!! At last, I have found a haven from theBorg of the coffee world, determined to assimilate us all!

Did I miss anything???