Oeiras House | Fernando Guerra | FG+SGLocated in Oeiras, Portugal, Oeiras House by OODA is designed in response to its sites topography. The design integrates the home into the landscape through a semi-buried structure that follows the natural terrain. The westward slope presented a challenge due to limited access to natural light. The U-shaped layout addresses this by maximizing daylight exposure and creating sheltered outdoor spaces. This orientation ensures privacy while maintaining openness within the property.Oeiras House Technical InformationArchitects1-4: OODALocation: Oeiras, PortugalArea: 350 m2 | 3,760 Sq. Ft.Project Year: 2018 2024Photographs: Fernando Guerra | FG+SGTopography as the raw material of the architectural object. OODA ArchitectsOeiras House Photographs Fernando Guerra | FG+SG Fernando Guerra | FG+SG Fernando Guerra | FG+SG Fernando Guerra | FG+SG Fernando Guerra | FG+SG Fernando Guerra | FG+SG Fernando Guerra | FG+SG Fernando Guerra | FG+SG Fernando Guerra | FG+SGArchitectural Composition: Form, Materiality, and Spatial FlowOeiras House is defined by a U-shaped courtyard, which organizes space and provides a connection between private and communal areas.The house aligns with the slope, preserving ceiling heights and spatial openness. The design approach prioritizes adaptation to the site rather than imposing a rigid form.The upper volume is constructed from concrete, chosen for its structural efficiency. A high-spanning beam eliminates the need for internal supports, allowing for open-plan interiors. The lower portion incorporates timber, creating a contrast in texture and warmth.Large glass surfaces connect the interior with the exterior. The central courtyard and pool function as visual and spatial anchors, enhancing the relationship between indoor and outdoor spaces.Craftsmanship and Interior DesignThe interior design uses natural materials such as wood and stone to extend the architectural principles. The continuity between exterior and interior materials reinforces spatial cohesion.Custom-designed furniture and built-in storage optimize space without disrupting the overall composition. The design balances functionality with spatial clarity.Oeiras House integrates its architectural form with the landscape, responding to the sites topography rather than imposing upon it.The house remains a case study in integrating site-specific conditions with spatial organization. Its engagement with the landscape and material contrasts provides a reference for architects exploring similar design challenges.Oeiras House Image GalleryAbout OODADiogo Brito, Rodrigo Vilas-Boas, and Francisco Lencastre are the founding partners of OODA (Oporto Office for Design and Architecture), a forward-thinking architectural studio based in Porto and Lisbon, Portugal. Established with a philosophy rooted in contextual sensitivity and innovative design solutions, OODA embraces a multidisciplinary approach that merges traditional craftsmanship with advanced digital methodologies. The firms work spans many scales, from residential projects to large-scale urban interventions, always prioritizing a balance between form, function, and environmental integration. Credits and Additional NotesLead Architects: Diogo Brito, Rodrigo Vilas-Boas, Francisco LencastreAdditional Design Team Members: Joo Jesus, Julio Pinto LeiteStructural and Civil Engineering: TEKK, A3R LdaLandscape Design: P4

close 'CyberGuy': How to stop someone from tracking you on your phone It's easier than you think to check for tracking software on your device. Tech expert Kurt Knutsson offers you some tips to help stay secure. Nowadays, almost every app you download asks for location permissions, meaning it wants to track where you are and your movements. For an app like Google Maps, requesting location access makes perfect sense. It's also reasonable for apps like Uber or DoorDash, which rely on location for their services.However, many apps that have nothing to do with location still ask for it, and we often grant these permissions without thinking twice. When you give an app access to your location, that data is stored and, in some cases, might even be sold. According to Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, this practice is not uncommon.A recent lawsuit filed by Paxton alleges that the insurance company Allstate collected and sold the location data of 45 million Americans' smartphones. Illustration of a company tracking customers data. (Kurt "CyberGuy" Knutsson)Allstate was allegedly collecting and stealing dataIn apress release, Paxton announced that he had sued Allstate and its subsidiary, Arity, for unlawfully collecting, using and selling data about the location and movements of Texans' cellphones. The data was gathered through secretly embedded software in mobile apps, such as Life360."Allstate and other insurers then used the covertly obtained data to justify raising Texans insurance rates," the press release stated.The insurance provider allegedly collected trillions of miles' worth of location data from more than 45 million Americans nationwide. The data was reportedly used to build the "worlds largest driving behavior database." When customers sought a quote or renewed their coverage, Allstate and other insurance companies allegedly used the database to justify raising car insurance premiums.WHAT IS ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE (AI)?Paxton claims the actions violated the Texas Data Privacy and Security Act. The lawsuit alleges customers were not clearly informed their data was being collected and did not consent to the practice."Our investigation revealed that Allstate and Arity paid mobile apps millions of dollars to install Allstates tracking software," said Paxton."The personal data of millions of Americans was sold to insurance companies without their knowledge or consent in violation of the law. Texans deserve better and we will hold all these companies accountable."We reached out to Allstate and Arity for comments. A rep for the Allstate Corporation provided CyberGuy with this statement:"Arity helps consumers get the most accurate auto insurance price after they consent in a simple and transparent way that fully complies with all laws and regulations." Illustration of a person laying out how company tracking works. (Kurt "CyberGuy" Knutsson)Car manufacturers apparently do this all the timeCar manufacturers have also been accused of selling similar data to insurance companies. Last year, Paxton sued General Motors for allegedly collecting and selling the private driving data of more than 1.5 million Texans to insurance companies without their knowledge or consent. In addition to insurance companies, data brokers are frequent buyers of customer data. Critics say these brokers fail to adequately protect the information, leaving it vulnerable to hackers. Earlier this month,hackers claimed to have breached Gravy Analytics, a major location data broker and the parent company of Venntel, which is known for selling smartphone location data to U.S. government agencies. Illustration of a hacker looking at someones personal data. (Kurt "CyberGuy" Knutsson)5 ways to stay safe from unwanted tracking1. Avoid installing the insurance companys app:Many insurance companies encourage users to download their apps to "simplify" claims, payments or policy management. However, these apps often collect and track your location data under the guise of improving their services. If the app is not absolutely essential, manage your account through the companys website or contact customer service directly instead.2. Dont give location permissions unnecessarily:When an app requests location access, ask yourself whether it genuinely needs this information to function. For example, a weather app may need approximate location data, but a flashlight app does not. Always choose "Deny" or "Allow only while using the app" unless absolutely necessary. Most modern devices also allow you to provide an approximate location rather than a precise one, which is a safer option when location access is unavoidable.3. Review and manage app permissions regularly:Over time, you may forget which apps have been granted permissions. Regularly go through your devices app settings to check and adjust permissions. On most devices, you can access this undersettings >privacy >app permissions (specific steps vary by operating system). Revoke access for any apps that dont need it or seem suspicious.GET FOX BUSINESS ON THE GO BY CLICKING HERE4. Turn off location services when not in use:Keep location services off when you dont need them. This reduces the chances of apps or devices tracking you passively in the background. For tasks like mapping or food delivery, turn location services on temporarily, then turn them off when youre done. For added security, avoid connecting topublic Wi-Fi networks, which can also be used to track your location indirectly.5. Use privacy-focused tools and apps: Invest in tools designed to safeguard your privacy. Virtual private networks (VPNs) can mask your location online and prevent unwanted tracking while browsing. VPNs will also protect you from those who want to track and identify your potential location and the websites that you visit.Kurts key takeawayIf Allstate is indeed unlawfully collecting and selling peoples location data, Attorney General Paxton is right to hold them accountable by filing a lawsuit. In an era where cybercriminals exploit every opportunity to scam individuals, companies that fail to protect customer data are unacceptable and should face consequences. Data has become the new oil, and everyone seems eager to exploit it often at the expense of ordinary people. Businesses that prioritize profits over privacy erode trust and put consumers at risk, making it crucial to enforce strict accountability for such practices.CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APPDo you think companies like Allstate should be required to make their data practices crystal clear to customers?Let us know by writing us atCyberguy.com/ContactFor more of my tech tips and security alerts, subscribe to my free CyberGuy Report Newsletter by heading to Cyberguy.com/NewsletterFollow Kurt on his social channels:Answers to the most-asked CyberGuy questions:New from Kurt:Copyright 2025 CyberGuy.com.All rights reserved. Kurt "CyberGuy" Knutsson is an award-winning tech journalist who has a deep love of technology, gear and gadgets that make life better with his contributions for Fox News & FOX Business beginning mornings on "FOX & Friends." Got a tech question? Get Kurts free CyberGuy Newsletter, share your voice, a story idea or comment at CyberGuy.com.

Anker's MagGo 3-1 wireless charger is an ultraportable device that's dethroned even my favorite travel charger.

The Asus RT-BE86U has a slew of security tools, letting you enjoy the next generation of high-speed internet safely. But should you upgrade to one?

A Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra smartphone during a media event ahead of Galaxy Unpacked in New York, US, ... [+] on Thursday, Jan. 16, 2025. Samsung Electronics Co. is banking on an artificial intelligence overhaul and tweaked hardware designs to sell its new line of Galaxy S25 smartphones. Photographer: Yuki Iawmura/Bloomberg 2025 Bloomberg Finance LPAlongside news that Gemini has replaced Bixby on Samsung phones this week, Google has updated Geminis abilities on millions of Android phones.Gemini can now complete tasks across several apps with a single prompt. For example, I asked the AI service to find Caribbean restaurants in North London and send them to my friend on WhatsApp, which it did. I also asked it to find out when Mobb Deep are next playing in London and add it to my calendar, which it completed.This new multimodal feature works in conjunction with Geminis app extensions. A handful of Google apps (and now select Samsung apps) feed into the AIs responses, including Workspace apps, Spotify, Messages, and WhatsApp.This is an important step in making AI assistants more like actual assistants. What has lacked throughout the Alexa, Siri and Google Assistant era is the seamlessness of connecting to other services and completing simple tasks. You would imagine asking a Google Nest Speaker to add ingredients to a shopping list is easy, but it is that type of functionality has escaped these products for years.MORE FOR YOUThis has meant voice-activated assistants havent lived up to the promise or hype. The multimodal skill adds a layer of intelligence to a patchy experience, but it is still limited to select apps and it can be confusing what the new features limitations are.The key to using the feature is to remember that it only works with select Google and Samsung apps. Gemini found my housework task list in Google Documents and shared it with my partner, as requested. But it wont send a message on your behalf, so I couldnt get it to text my barber to book an appointment and then add that my calendar.Also, the example Google gives of how the automation works, asking it for restaurant recommendations and then sending the list to a friend, removes a key part of using Google Maps: quality control. I want to vet establishments before I send them on to someone, which still needs a human touch.Spreading Gemini far and wideElsewhere, Gemini Livethe conversational part of the AI service that allows instant back-and-forth chatnow supports uploaded images, files, and YouTube videos. For example, you might upload a picture of your fridge contents during a discussion with Gemini Live about what recipes to cook that week. This is only available on Pixel 9, Galaxy S24 and S25 phones.Circle to Search has also been updated with AI Overviews. The search function, which launched last year, allows users to draw a circle on images to conduct an image search. Now, Googles AI summaries that appear on top of Google searches will also show up in Circle to Search results, although the accuracy of overviews has been criticized since it launched last May.With the exception of the Gemini Live updates, it is interesting that Google is adding next-generation AI experiences to millions of smartphones without necessitating new hardware or a subscription.Google says the new multimodal Gemini feature is available to all Gemini users on the web, Android and iOS. Google does have a paid AI subscription tier and Samsung has teased charging for Galaxy AI at the end of this year. For now, though, these AI updates are free and accessible to most smartphone users.

SANTA FE, NEW MEXICO - JANUARY 14, 2020: An employee works at her computer in a home and office ... [+] furniture and accessory store in Santa Fe, New Mexico. (Photo by Robert Alexander/Getty Images)Getty ImagesIt is no secret that the job market is changing. While not all can be attributed to AI, with globalization and other factors well in play, AI is still a massive element, and also one whose future impact is unclear. It seems that every subsequent release of a foundational AI model (such as the recently announced Open AI o3-preview), shows AI dominating topics that it previously could not, begging the question of how far it can go. In the middle of this however, evidence is emerging that two classes of jobs (or roles) are thriving with AI, and seemly able to thrive more with every subsequent AI advance. These roles are Entrepreneur and Researcher.The Effect AI Has On RolesTo better understand why these two roles benefit, it is useful to consider what happens to a job role when AI comes in.Imagine you are a manager. Your team has a range of deliverables to your organization and a budget with which to execute them. You employ humans and use tools to meet your obligations.As tools become more capable with AI, you will have both the ability (and likely the responsibility) to leverage the tools to meet the deliverables at lower cost - which often translates to fewer people being paid salaries. The cheaper the tools become, the more pressure you will be under to apply them to offset wages.If your organization gives you more deliverables, you may be able to avoid cutting headcount. However, this requires that the organization actively remap the deliverables or decide to do more. This is a hard and slow process for larger companies. It is much easier to keep the same deliverables and ask that the cost be reduced.For a manager who does not have the authority to raise the ceiling, i.e. do more, they will be under pressure to work with less. We are seeing a slowdown in hiring, which may be attributed at least in part to this trend.Entrepreneurs And ResearchersWhat makes entrepreneurs and researchers different? While these are two very different roles, they have one thing in common. It is easier in these roles to expand your goals as your abilities to deliver improve. In fact, in both roles, success is measured by your ability to expand. In entrepreneurship that expansion is measured as company growth. In research, it is measured by solving a larger problem. Given this, as AI capabilities expand (in other words as the floor rises), you can raise your targets (raise the ceiling), giving the humans in the middle still something to do. Articles like this and this show how AI is helping entrepreneurs and researchers do more, focusing on strategic items and increasing value as time frees up from automating routine tasksSo, Only Two Job Types Left?Not at all. First of all, it is very likely that AI driven transformations will create new job roles that we cannot imagine yet. Second, even the entrepreneur and researcher do not have to be pure roles. Not everyone will be a standalone researcher or a standalone entrepreneur. Our global ecosystem cannot manage the entire workforce becoming one or other of these. It is more the nature of a role. If your role has some element of these, or your company has some element of these, and an organizational structure where this element can pass through the layers relatively easily, there is more opportunity for individuals in the company to expand their scope to offset the power of the tools, thereby ensuring that they have value to add as the tools become more capable.MORE FOR YOUWhich One Should I Choose?While many roles are exactly one of these two, there are also far more that have elements of one or both. The key is not to look at job advertisements and search for these two words. The key is to find specific roles within your areas of interest that have elements of at least one of these in that the roles allow you to expand your horizons and responsibilities as the tools you leverage become more powerful. These two roles both emphasize the ability to create with tools rather than be a user of tools. That is the element you should seek in a job.That said, to choose between one of these two roles, is also a matter of personal preference. While both value expansion of thought, creativity, and problem-solving, they do it in very different ways. Researchers are often focused on solving problems at a foundational level and not always with an eye toward immediate application. Entrepreneurs are focused on creating revenue-generating applications that solve problems. Both require solving hard problems and both add value, but the problems and the value generated tend to be very different. Which one appeals to you will depend on your personal preference.So How Do I Become One of These?The first step is to understand which appeals to you personally. Do you enjoy solving hard problems and building on the work of others? Do you enjoy the challenging task of really understanding a customers problem and finding a way to solve it that works in the market? Answering these types of questions will help you determine which direction is right for you. Again, the key is not necessarily to find a job with this title, it is to find a role that has elements of one or both of these.Finding The Bigger ProblemThere is always a bigger problem to be solved. In a research world, this is usually something new to be found, whether it is a better understanding of a known problem or a better solution. In entrepreneurship, it is about expanding business results, whether that is through helping more customers, building a better product, solving new problems, or more. If your role allows you to expand your horizons and responsibilities as the tools expand capability beneath you, you can grow with the tools rather than becoming replaced by them.

A hot potato: Security researchers have uncovered alarming vulnerabilities in Subaru's Starlink system, potentially exposing millions of vehicles to unauthorized access and extensive location tracking. While Subaru has said that it doesn't sell location data, the potential for misuse is a significant concern. The discovery began when Sam Curry, having purchased a 2023 Impreza for his mother, decided to examine its internet-connected features during a Thanksgiving visit.Curry and fellow researcher Shubham Shah found they could hijack control of various vehicle functions, including unlocking doors, honking the horn, and starting the ignition. However, what Curry found most disturbing was the ability to access detailed location history. "You can retrieve at least a year's worth of location history for the car, where it's pinged precisely, sometimes multiple times a day," Curry told Wired. He added, "Whether somebody's cheating on their wife or getting an abortion or part of some political group, there are a million scenarios where you could weaponize this against someone."The researchers began by identifying a weakness in the password reset functionality on the SubaruCS.com site, an administrative portal intended for Subaru employees. By simply guessing an employee's email address, they could initiate a password reset process, exposing a critical flaw in the system's design.Further investigation revealed that while the site did ask for answers to two security questions during the reset process, these were verified using client-side code running in the user's browser rather than on Subaru's servers. This oversight allowed the researchers to easily bypass the security questions, highlighting a significant lapse in the company's cybersecurity measures. "There were really multiple systemic failures that led to this," Shah told Wired.Curry and Shah then used LinkedIn to locate the email address of a Subaru Starlink developer, exploiting the vulnerabilities to take over this employee's account, which granted them access to sensitive information and controls. The compromised account allowed the pair to look up any Subaru owner using various personal identifiers such as last name, zip code, email address, phone number, or license plate. // Related StoriesMoreover, they discovered that they could access and modify Starlink configurations for any vehicle, as well as reassign control of Starlink features. This included the ability to remotely unlock cars, honk horns, start ignitions, and locate vehicles.Most alarmingly, Curry and Shah gained access to detailed location histories of vehicles, with data going back at least a year. "You can retrieve at least a year's worth of location history for the car, where it's pinged precisely, sometimes multiple times a day," Curry explained to Wired.Subaru quickly patched the security flaws after the researchers reported their findings in late November. However, the incident raises broader concerns about privacy and data security in the automotive industry. The researchers warn that similar vulnerabilities likely exist in other automakers' systems.A Subaru spokesperson confirmed to Wired that certain employees can access location data, stating that it's necessary for purposes such as sharing vehicle location with first responders in case of collisions. "All these individuals receive proper training and are required to sign appropriate privacy, security, and NDA agreements as needed," the company said. It also said it doesn't sell location data.The discovery is part of a larger trend of security vulnerabilities in connected vehicles. Curry and other researchers have previously identified similar issues affecting multiple car manufacturers, including Acura, Genesis, Honda, Hyundai, Infiniti, Kia, and Toyota.This incident underscores the growing privacy concerns surrounding modern vehicles. A recent report by the Mozilla Foundation highlighted that 92 percent of car manufacturers give owners little to no control over collected data, and 84 percent reserve the right to sell or share this information.

Sterling K. Brown has only dipped his toes into the world of superhero-dom, but in a recent interview with Variety, the actor said that he turned down a role on one of the biggest superhero shows on TV. Brown explained that he turned down what would have been a season-long villain role on The Boys, a role which he was very tempted to take.I think it was a bad guy [role], because it was very tempting, Brown explained. But a full-season arc, they are in Toronto its tough. Listen, these are champagne problems Im talking about here! But because Im blessed enough to already have certain things in place, I get a chance to be a bit more choosy [about what projects I do].Recommended VideosBrown didnt offer any more details about which villainous role he may have been offered, andThe Boysis not the kind of show with a short list of villains. Thus far, Browns only exposure to superhero projects was his small but hugely impactful role as NJobu inBlack Panther. Brown plays the father of Michael B. Jordans Erik Killmonger and the man who inspires his sons radical philosophy. When asked if he would ever consider returning to Marvel, Brown didnt hesitate.Please enable Javascript to view this contentI feel like Marvel should be likeLaw & Order after a certain number of years, you gotta reset, you get to come back, Brown said. I would love to come back to the Marvel universe, absolutely. Please have me back. Please, please. Thank you.He might not have wanted to doThe Boys, but its clear that Brown isnt opposed to superhero projects more generally.Editors RecommendationsSterling K. Brown is accused of murdering the president in tense trailer for Hulus Paradise

Table of ContentsTable of ContentsTying smartwatch data to geneticsA new dawn for psychiatryOver the past couple of years, the medical science community has shifted its attention to wearables in a serious fashion, thanks to their mass uptake. Those efforts have yielded some remarkable results in the efficacy and potential of these wearable devices.The latest such scientific revelation comes from the experts at the University of Barcelona. In a paper published in the Cell Journal, the team described how smartwatches can be used to accurately detect psychological disorders using biomarkers.Recommended VideosUsing the data provided by continuous monitoring from a smartwatch, the team behind the latest research was able to identify 16 significant genetic loci and 37 psychiatric-associated genes.Please enable Javascript to view this contentOur methodology has made it possible, for the first time, to simultaneously analyze the relationship between genetics and the different measures provided by smartwatches, notes co-author of the paper, Diego Garrido Martn.The team trained an AI model that took into account physiological information collected using smartwatch sensors. As part of the study, data was collected from over five thousand participants aged 9-14 years using Fitbit smartwatches.Experts used wearable measurements such as heart rate, calories, steps, workout intensity, sleep level, and more. When fed to an AI model, the team was able to create a digital phenotype, or in simpler terms, a set of observable traits collected in a digital format.These digital phenotypes, for the first time, offer an alternative approach to prediction, or diagnosis of psychiatric illnesses that would otherwise require an in-person consultation with a certified expert. But more importantly, the wearable-based approach also ties into the genetic depth of such disorders.One advantage of doing this is that we can use the digital phenotype almost as a diagnostic tool or a biomarker, and also bridge the gap between disease and genetics, one of the co-authors, Jason Liu, explained.The core challenge here is creating a reliable system that can process all the data provided by a smartwatch and derive accurate conclusions. The team argues that the sensor data provides enough details about physical and behavioral patterns that we can tie them to psychiatric illnesses with a high degree of reliability.Andy Boxall / Digital TrendsThese measurements quantify an individuals physiological processes and their real-time changes in response to environmental stimuli, and they can thus provide key information about an individuals behavior, says the research paper.For example, sleep analysis proved to be the more important factor when it comes to diagnosing anxiety, while heart rate proved to be the more valuable tool for predicting behavioral developmental woes such as Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).The latest research marks the first time that digital phenotype data collected from real-time monitoring using smartwatches have been linked to psychiatric illnesses and the genetic profile of a person.The latter is the most promising element of the new research. We are talking about a fundamental shift in how we diagnose and prescribe cures for psychological illnesses, moving beyond the traditional behavioral analysis and into a territory where biomarkers and physiological data play a crucial role.Google Pixel Watch 2 Joe Maring / Digital TrendsTheir findings may serve as inspiration to move beyond traditional clinical diagnostics and adopt quantitative behavioral measurements that may be of greater use in identifying genetic biomarkers, says the team.At the heart of this revolution would be smartwatches. Notably, the biomarkers sourced from the Fitbit smartwatches used in the research can also be collected from a majority of mass-market wearables across the smartwatch, band, and even smart ring form factors.Our accurate predictions suggest that these quantitative features could be useful for studying other aspects of psychiatric disorders, such as their underlying genetic architecture, adds the research paper.The team concludes that the processed biomarker data captured via smartwatches can be used to more accurately categorize patients across different diagnostic tiers, enhancing the overall quality of treatment delivery.Editors Recommendations

I took a trip with my mom and grandma when I was 6. A jellyfish stung me, and my mom peed on me, which mortified me. Still, I look back fondly at that trip with my family. "Don't swim there, there's a jellyfish!" It was 1996, I was 6 years old, and I was vacationing with my mom and grandma on the remote Colombian island archipelago of San Andres and Providencia. I saw nothing in the perfectly clear water, so I ignored my grandma's warning. Sure enough, I got stung in the stomach. My screams filled the beach and didn't stop when my mom frantically picked me up and ran back to our room (which was, thankfully, very close). Then, she did something I am very embarrassed to admit: She peed on me. In the moment, I didn't even care, I was just relieved. But afterward, I felt so grossed out that I wanted to cry. That was my first real trip ever. It was a complete disaster, but it's also one of my most formative childhood memories.There was no kids' menuEven before that happened, the trip had proved challenging. Most tourists in Providencia's tiny but gorgeous island stay at locally-owned guest houses or hotels, but since my mom had lived there for several years, we were staying with our island "family." In the '90s, there was no A/C in the house, and water was limited. To shower, we had to fill buckets with water and then use bowls to pour the water on ourselves. I was used to the comforts of Bogota, a huge capital city whose year-round 60-degree weather made the island heat difficult to bear. I also had to eat crab soup and other seafood I didn't like. We ate whatever was at the house no kids' menu or choices.But rather than ruining the vacation for me, these challenges made it memorable. This has convinced me of one important truth: Kids don't always need to be comfortable while traveling. Seeing my mom and my grandma seamlessly adapt to the circumstances without complaining or even remarking on them made me react the same way.The trip helped me growLiving without the comforts of the city and trying foods that I didn't necessarily like felt like small adventures to my six-year-old self. These experiences helped me build a sense of identity as someone adventurous, flexible, and willing to step out of her comfort zone. Four years after the trip, this identity helped me navigate life in a new country when my family moved to the US. It's also helped me as an adult as I've traveled to over 45 countries and lived in four continents.Even the very painful jellyfish sting (and its very embarrassing cure) became my first tale of travel misadventure, which I was excited to share with my siblings when I returned to Bogota. In my brain, these challenges were stored in the same place as the good memories of the trip: floating in the Sea of Seven Colors next to my grandmother, falling asleep in a hammock, reading with my mom as we lay on the sand, and being on an island that truly feels disconnected from the rest of the world. As a whole, I remember it as a beautiful trip with two of the people that I loved the most.My grandmother died very recently. This was the only real trip we ever went on together, and I am now more grateful than ever for those hot, uncomfortable nights spent in a tiny room with her. I'm also glad that the jellyfish taught me at a young age that I should (almost) always listen to her wisdom. I'm sure that it saved me from even harsher stings in life.