Living Abroad Ledger: March 2024

Mar 08, 2024

Editor’s note:

Hey there,

I’m excited to present a slightly tweaked — and more fun — format to this month’s Living Abroad Ledger. I rediscovered my love for The Skimm and remembered that I applied for a writing job with them many times. Spoiler: they never got back to me. So I thought I would emulate a similar style to The Skimm for this newsletter and see whatcha think. I’m not gonna lie, it was infinitely more fun to write.

Hope it’s just as fun to read!

If you enjoy the monthly Living Abroad Ledger, as well as our other types of posts, please subscribe for a paid or free membership. It helps me know that you like what we’re doing, and encourages me to keep going. Thank you to everyone for all your support!

Quote

“We’re coming for you.”

- UK government to British expats in Thailand and elsewhere who have been receiving benefits abroad, outside of the countries where it’s deemed legal to do so. Apparently, they shouldn’t have been receiving annual benefit rises. But many have. And now the UK wants to know who.

Top Story

AI's Flight of Fancy

The Story.

Air Canada's latest legal maneuver is soaring into uncharted territories, with AI as the co-pilot.

Explain.

Picture this: you're at the airport, your flight's been canceled, and the Air Canada chatbot assures you a refund is on its way. Fast forward, and it turns out that promise was a bit... up in the air. The catch? Air Canada argues the chatbot, essentially a bundle of code and witty replies, should be held responsible for its own promises. Yes, you heard that right. They're pitching for AI personhood like it's the next big thing since in-flight Wi-Fi.

And their point is...?

In the world according to Air Canada, their chatbot isn't just any old digital assistant. It's more like an employee, capable of making decisions and, apparently, mistakes. They argued that this digital helper should be treated as a separate legal entity, responsible for its own actions. It's like saying, "Don't look at us, the chatbot did it!" And, in their defense, they hoped to save a cool 880 Canadian dollars. Yes, that's the price tag on this legal kerfuffle.

But really, what's the deal?

Well, the court wasn't buying what Air Canada was selling. Beyond the legal circus, this story opens a Pandora's box of questions about AI and its place in our world. Sure, AI can write a poem, play a game, or even draft a legal defense, but does that make it a person? Not quite. AI lacks consciousness, emotions, and, let's face it, the ability to enjoy a good poutine.

The outcome?

Air Canada lost. And killed the bot.

And also… This.

Spotlight on Airbnb's Comeback

Airbnb is flying high with its latest earnings, smashing expectations as travel bounces back stronger than anticipated. Not resting on its laurels, the company announced a hefty $6 billion share buyback, signaling confidence in its future.

The platform, once a simple lodging option, now offers a myriad of experiences, moving towards greater fee transparency in response to traveler feedback. This shift is more than just a business adjustment; it reflects a broader travel industry revival post-pandemic.

The Big Question: With Airbnb's momentum, the industry is watching: Can this surge sustain in the new normal? Airbnb's strategy and performance might just set the tempo for the global travel recovery narrative. Airbnb's earnings tell a story of resilience and optimism in travel's post-COVID resurgence, marking a significant turn in how we explore the world again.

Chronoworking: Catching Z's and Climbing Ladders

Here's the 411 for global go-getters: Chronoworking's making the 9-to-5 look like yesterday's news. It's all about syncing work hours with your body's clock—turns out, being an early bird or a night owl can actually help you crush it at work, especially when you're in one time zone and your team's spread across others. Recent buzz says companies are getting hip to this, offering flex schedules to keep everyone hitting peak productivity, no matter where on the map they're Zooming in from. So, if you're living the expat life, juggling calls with London in the AM and emails to Tokyo by PM, chronoworking could be your ticket to workday bliss. Say goodbye to the old grind and hello to working when you're at your best. Because who doesn't want to work smarter, not longer?

Meanwhile in Saudi Arabia….

Work continues on the revolutionary new habitat The Line.

While Southeast Asia is sizzling in yet another record-breaking hot season…

California’s flash floods have signaled a State of Emergency.

ICYMI

My friend Megan narrates her journey buying land on Koh Phangan with a friend to start an ambitious villa development.
I got real about the realities of navigating friend and family relationships when you live abroad. Spoiler alert: it’s fucking draining.

GGTLA Picks

The 5am Club:

I've finally done it. I've officially joined the 5am club. And though I'm currently feeling the brain lag as I write this newsletter into the evening and am realizing I also need to go to bed earlier, it's awesome. It almost feels like cheating to have a full 2 hours to myself every morning to do yoga, meditate, read, reflect, and sip tea.

Shilajit

I'd never even heard of it until I stumbled upon it while perusing the shelves of my old bar that's now been converted into a vegan restaurant. Apparently, it’s the real deal. This black tar found in the highest reaches of the Himalayas is touted for boosting energy, improving brain function, and enhancing overall vitality, it's worth a look if you're into natural health boosts. I feel a difference already.

Label makers and stickers

If your house feels clutter-y and disorganized, wanna join my decluttering club? I'm just kidding, I haven't started a club. But I did buy a label maker and coloured stickers that I'm going to use to get (and KEEP — this is key) my house organized. I'll letcha know how it goes.