03/9/2024 Podcast reflection

Today's Podcast:

TBOY: The 1st Fruit Juice

I'm still on holiday, and while I initially planned to completely relax at my Airbnb, I felt the urge to start writing again instead of just doing nothing. I’ve continued listening to podcasts during my jogs and walks, but today, when I finally decided to turn on my computer—dusty after a week of neglect—I found myself resisting a bit.

Today's episode about Intel caught my attention. They mentioned that Intel's stock price has dropped to its lowest level in 11 years, largely because they didn’t make any profit last quarter. The key issue seems to be that Intel both designs and manufactures its chips, which results in lower profit margins compared to companies like Nvidia, which only designs their chips. The idea of outsourcing manufacturing, as pioneered by Nike, is being considered by Intel. This concept of being "asset-light and profit-heavy" is something many international companies embrace today. They focus on design and innovation while outsourcing production, allowing them to maximize profits without owning much physical infrastructure.

I listened to this episode while walking around a local market. I was hoping to find some local ingredients or souvenirs, but instead, I saw many stalls selling fake luxury items. It was surprising to see so many tourists buying these counterfeits. When I saw a lady wearing a YSL outfit picking up a fake YSL handbag, I couldn’t help but wonder if her entire ensemble was also fake. I just don’t understand the appeal of buying fake luxury items. I’m all for affordable alternatives with similar designs, but I can’t accept the idea of flaunting a counterfeit with a big brand logo.

This past week has been quite uneventful. There’s not much to do on this small island. Renting a car made it easier to explore, but I find it hard to muster the enthusiasm to drive an hour just to visit a shop or a tourist spot. The area we’re staying in is quite touristy, with lots of shops, bars, restaurants, and a nice beach, yet something still feels missing. During the first three days, I was so anxious that I kept checking my work emails every 10 minutes. I realise now that I’m someone who can’t easily slow down—I need to keep busy to feel alive.

There’s an older couple living next door to us. They spend most of their time smoking on their balcony, which is just a wall away from ours. Although they’re always there, quietly conversing, they seem disinterested in socialising. They’ve been here as long as we have, and I can’t imagine living a life like theirs, just talking to the same person in the same spot every day.

Despite the slower pace, I’ve had some enjoyable moments. I went surfing, visited a zoo, fed squirrels, and explored a farmers market. I’m currently preparing another travel vlog to share some tips about this small island, and I hope to discover if there’s anything I might have missed during this trip.