Category: Lifestyle

Is Your City Expensive for Expats?

Many people don’t live in the country of their birth. They might leave in order to search for a better life; to find better work; to join a family member; or to enjoy a change. Certainly, the cost of doing so and the cost of living in this new country isn’t the same from place to place and it’s important to be educated before taking such a leap.

Each year the Mercer Cost of Living Survey examines 226 cities and over 200 items in each location. These include items like transportation, clothing, food and entertainment. Cost of living has certainly been increasing around the world in the last few years, and the survey reflects that. In the US, for instance, seven cities appeared in the top 20 most expensive locations for expats.

The impact of such findings is explained by Vince Cordova at Mercer US as he explains, “As US-based companies continue to source talent globally, inflationary pressures may give some inbound foreign nationals pause to accept a position in some of the high-cost cities and metro areas in the US.”

The survey reveals that Hong Kong remains the most expensive city for expats, followed by Singapore. Swiss cities, including Zurich, Geneva, Basel, and Bern, dominate the top rankings, indicating high expenses related to housing, transportation, and general goods. New York and Los Angeles represent the U.S. among the top ten, with New York securing seventh place and Los Angeles tenth. London has risen to eighth from seventeenth.

Art for Longevity?

While we often view art as a form of leisure or luxury, a growing body of research suggests that engaging with the arts could be as essential to our health as exercise and nutrition. Whether creating art or simply appreciating it, studies show that art-related activities can profoundly impact our physical and mental well-being.

Healthcare professionals are increasingly recognizing the therapeutic benefits of the arts. Engaging in creative activities has been linked to improvements in a range of physical and mental conditions, from heart disease and obesity to depression and dementia. These activities stimulate our brains, enhance neuroplasticity, and trigger the release of beneficial neurochemicals and hormones.

Authors like Susan Magsamen and Ivy Ross in their book, “Your Brain on Art,” argue that art engagement is a crucial aspect of human experience, offering benefits that can promote healing and well-being. Similarly, Bianca Bosker in her recent book, “Get the Picture,” discusses art not just as a luxury but as a fundamental human need, rooted in our evolutionary history.

Art’s power to evoke emotional and physiological responses is remarkable. It activates multiple brain networks, impacts our sensory experiences, and can even lead to profound physical reactions, such as those experienced by people with Stendhal syndrome when encountering particularly moving artworks.

These experts suggest making art a regular part of our lives, emphasizing that it is not the quality of the art that matters but the act of engaging with it. Regular interaction with art can enhance cognitive functions, lower stress levels, and even extend life expectancy. Thus, integrating art into our daily routines might not only enrich our lives aesthetically but could also be essential for our health.

Beautiful Hiking Trails in Europe

As summer is fast approaching, it’s time to think about your travel plans. While city travel is always fun, getting out into the countryside and enjoying some beautiful hiking trails can really make for a relaxed, less expensive trip. Here are a few of the many trails covered in a recent article on CNN that just might peak your interest.

  • Karhunkierros Trail, Finland: Stretching 82 kilometers through Finnish Lapland, this trail offers a wilderness experience in Oulanka National Park, populated with wildlife and lush forests, best explored during the bright summer nights.
  • King Charles III England Coastal Path: Spanning 4,300 kilometers, this extensive trail covers diverse landscapes from Cornwall’s cliffs to the serene vistas of Suffolk and Norfolk, suitable for short and long hikes.
  • John Muir Way, Scotland: This 215-kilometer coast-to-coast trail passes through Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park, celebrating John Muir’s environmental legacy.
  • Apuseni Mountains, Romania: A four-day hike through these majestic mountains offers encounters with wildlife and a traditional Romanian cultural experience.
  • The Camino Frances, France and Spain: The most popular route of the Camino de Santiago, this pilgrimage trail spans from St. Jean in France to Santiago in Spain, rich in historical and spiritual significance.
  • Engadine Panorama Trail, Switzerland: A 55-kilometer trail in southeastern Switzerland, ideal for beginners and those seeking less strenuous routes through picturesque Alpine landscapes.
  • Rota Vicentina Fishermen’s Trail, Portugal: A 225-kilometer path along the Atlantic coast, offering a unique perspective on Portugal’s natural beauty.
  • Laugavegur Hiking Trail, Iceland: Open from July to September, this 55-kilometer trail showcases Iceland’s unique volcanic landscapes and geothermal springs.

These hikes provide a perfect blend of exercise, peace, and connection to some of Europe’s most stunning natural environments.

Watching the Watch Market

Fashion tends to be cyclical and it’s interesting to see what people are focused on today. Surprisingly the answer to that appears to be watches.

Many people assume a watch is a utilitarian item – but there is an entire world of luxury watch buyers and those who watch the market closely. This fascination was underscored recently when a gold watch once belonging to John Jacob Astor IV, who died on the Titanic, sold at auction for £1.175 million. This sale not only shattered expectations but also set a new record for Titanic-related items.

The high demand for such watches stretches beyond their historical narratives to encompass a genuine appreciation for craftsmanship and rarity. This is exemplified by the Patek Philippe Grandmaster Chime, one of the most complex watches ever crafted. Only seven exist, enhancing its allure and making it a coveted item at auctions, where it is projected to attract bids of up to $5 million.

The enthusiasm for vintage and limited-edition watches is not confined to the traditional auction circuit. The secondary market for luxury watches has seen significant growth, particularly among younger generations. A Boston Consulting Group study revealed that nearly 95% of collectible watches are discontinued models, adding to their uniqueness and desirability.

This trend reflects a broader cultural shift where luxury watches are cherished not only for their aesthetic and functional attributes but also as investments and symbols of personal status. As the market continues to evolve, these timepieces remain a profound expression of cultural value and technological achievement, holding a unique position in both the fashion and collectibles landscapes.

Airbnb Adventures Hit the Next Level

Companies like Airbnb are constantly trying to come up with the next idea – the next way to get customers in the door. In addition to offering places to stay around the world, they also offer all sorts of experiences. So you can sign up to learn to make pizza in Italy, to skydive with the locals in Peru and to ice skate in Norway.

Now, you can also fulfill dreams you may not have even known you had. Have you always wanted to stay in the house from the hit movie “Up” and actually be carried above the ground as if you were being pulled by balloons? The are calling these opportunities icons and, as Brian Chesky, Airbnb co-founder and CEO explains, “As life becomes increasingly digital, we’re focused on bringing more magic into the real world. With Icons, we’ve created the most extraordinary experiences on Earth.”

They will be rolling these Icon ideas out over time, but a few of them have definitely been rolled out already and include wild opportunities such as enjoying the “Up” house. Other fun ideas include having a VIP evening with Kevin Hart, staying in Prince’s “Purple Rain” house, enjoy paying Fortnite with TikToker Khaby Lame or ride along on the tour bus with reggaeton and his FERXXOCALPSIS world tour.

These are just a few of the incredible opportunities that will be available to people who have the money to throw at such adventures!

Hard Hits for the Movie Industry

The movie industry has been hard hit in recent years. First, there was covid. Then, there were all of the strikes last year. They are also competing against streaming services that offer so many other ways to enjoy films and all of the many other services that are available for entertainment.

What are the theaters to do? As reported by CNN, they are trying to come up with creative ways to join the competition. These creative initiatives include: re-releases, special screenings in premium formats like IMAX, and engaging promotions such as themed popcorn buckets. Alamo Drafthouse, in particular, has embraced these quieter months by programming classics and hidden gems, often paired with themed merchandise and menus. Chains like AMC and Regal are also focusing on merchandise and re-releases, with AMC even organizing a “Halfway to Halloween” festival. The upcoming summer lacks major superhero releases, leading AMC to bring back all eight Spider-Man movies, while Disney plans a marathon of “Star Wars” films on May the 4th, showcasing the continued adaptation and efforts to captivate filmgoers.

Learn more about the many creative initiatives and, perhaps, find a fun way to have some entertainment this summer!