2002 Seems Insane in the Membrane

23 years ago, I decided to spend six months living on the other side of the world: China.

This is what an overseas adventure looked like in 2002. Checking Hotmail required an internet café. Calling my parents in the U.S. was cheaper after buying a phone card. Exploring meant hopping on random buses and asking where they were going. If I liked a destination, I scribbled navigation shorthand on a tattered paper map (which I carried everywhere).

Translating Was a Full Adventure

The best tool was a physical English-Chinese dictionary, which I carried only sometimes because it was heavy. Not knowing a Chinese word meant looking up the English equivalent, smiling at the local, pointing to the Chinese translation, and giving a thumbs up.

That was the civilized way. More often, I just played a game of charades and hoped for the best.

Fast Forward to Today

This week, I’m headed to Taiwan and Japan for two months. In 23 years, humanity went from paper maps to an iPhone that can email, text, and FaceTime anywhere, for free. The random chance of spotting something on a bus ride is now replaced with the guarantee of an optimized daily itinerary from ChatGPT.

Translating city signs is now a non-problem. Google Lens translates words live through the camera. I might look dorky pointing my phone at menus, but the overlaid English ensures I’m ordering the right sushi.

Historically, traveling in Asia with an Asian face and not speaking the local language was a pain in the butt for both me and the confused local. Now, Google Translate can talk in real time. A three-way audio conversation between a local, myself, and my phone creates a new way to announce to the country that I’m a tourist.

Today's World Is 2002's Insane in the Membrane

In 23 years, I’ve gone from paper maps to AI-generated sleep schedules that minimize jet lag.

What I find more fascinating is how much my 2002 self would have been blown away by today’s inventions. Back then, technology meant my Sony CD Walkman. MP3 players weren’t even a thing yet. Today’s on-demand Spotify music would have felt like the lovechild of my greatest wish and pure magic.

What’s Next for the Future

Which leads to the most exciting part of all: What will 23 years from now look like? Or even 46?

This is a legitimate question. The average life expectancy is around 80. You, dear reader, have many years left to be amazed. By our eighth decade, ChatGPT will feel as quaint as the iPod Shuffle (which, by the way, came out only 20 years ago).

In 23 years, we’ll have a whole new set of technologies and developments that we can’t even conceptualize today, in life-changing ways we can’t yet imagine.

What that looks like, I'm excited to find out. I'm incredibly optimistic about the future. I hope you are, too.

Until next time,

Rachel

10 Out-of-the-Box Ways to Travel Using ChatGPT, Google Maps, and Google Lens

1. The Grocery Store Mystery Ingredient

• Google Lens scans unknown produce like dragon fruit or chili paste.

• ChatGPT explains what it is and suggests local recipes.

• Google Maps finds nearby restaurants or markets that use it.

2. The Airbnb Laundry Machine Puzzle

• Google Lens translates washer or dryer buttons.

• ChatGPT explains cycles like delicate versus quick wash.

• Google Maps finds a nearby laundromat if it still goes wrong.

3. The Local Snack Deep Dive

• Google Lens translates snack packaging at a convenience store.

• ChatGPT explains flavor, cultural context, and what locals prefer.

• Google Maps locates where the snack is freshly made or famous.

4. The “Where Am I?” Shortcut

• Google Maps shows your live location.

• Google Lens identifies nearby temples, shops, or street signs.

• ChatGPT gives historical context and suggests nearby detours.

5. The Restaurant Roulette

• Google Maps finds hidden restaurants with top local reviews.

• Google Lens translates handwritten menus or specials.

• ChatGPT recommends dishes to order and how to ask for them politely.

6. The Jet Lag Survival Routine

• ChatGPT builds a sleep, meal, and light exposure plan.

• Google Maps finds sunrise walk routes or cozy late-night cafés.

• Google Lens translates labels for caffeine-free or allergen-safe options.

7. The Street Market Bargain Hunt

• Google Lens translates price tags and product signs.

• ChatGPT tells you the fair price and negotiation tips.

• Google Maps identifies nearby vendors for comparison.

8. The Smooth Travel Day

• ChatGPT creates a timeline for flights, trains, and transfers.

• Google Maps shows real-time transit routes and durations.

• Google Lens translates station signs, lockers, or departure boards.

9. The Local Event Explorer

• Google Maps finds live festivals, art shows, or local events.

• Google Lens translates posters and flyers.

• ChatGPT summarizes the event, what to expect, and whether it’s worth visiting.

10. The Cultural Etiquette Lifesaver

• Google Lens translates public signs, temple rules, or etiquette notes.

• ChatGPT explains social meaning and what is considered polite.

• Google Maps suggests nearby attractions that fit your comfort level.

If you found this newsletter interesting or helpful, please pass it along to a friend or colleague. They’ll thank you. And I’ll love you forever for it.

General disclaimer

The information contained in this newsletter is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional advice. All information is provided in good faith; however, we make no representation or warranty of any kind, express or implied, regarding the accuracy, adequacy, validity, reliability, or completeness of any information. Any reliance you place on such information is therefore strictly at your own risk.