Spirit Magazine - May 2014 - (Page 58)

Business SCHOOL IT'S A DEAL The sharing economy relies on us having faith in each other. Reach of Confidence A slew of new companies are banking on an age-old concept: trust. O BY MELINDA MAHAFFEY ICDEN N A TRIP TO Amsterdam two years ago, my husband and I decided to skip the traditional hotel stay and give Airbnb, the popular accommodation booking site, a try. Two sets of friends had recently used the service, which matches travelers with individuals looking to temporarily rent out their living spaces, and had nothing but rave reviews for the San Francisco-based "community marketplace" that's fostered 11 million bookings since its founding in 2008. 58 SPIRIT MAY 2014 But despite the fresh strawberries laid out in the sunny kitchen and a specially made guidebook listing the owner's favorite local spots, I never really warmed to the idea of staying in a stranger's apartment. I touched as little as possible, I used as little as possible, and I nervously encouraged my husband to do the same. So I was blindsided when, upon our return home, we received an irate email from the owner, who accused us of scratching her floors. She was mad about the alleged damage to the CONTINUED ON PAGE 60

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Spirit Magazine - May 2014

Spirit Magazine - May 2014
Contents
Gary’s Greeting
Gary’s Greeting en Español
Star of the Month
Freedom Story
From the Editor
Your Words
Your Pictures
Media Center
Eat Drink Sleep
Beef up broccoli (the vegan way)
Bunk over in Kennebunkport
Encourage creativity in the workplace
Wise Guide
Strengthen your sense of humor
Numbers
Lengthen locks
Learn a minty-fresh fact
Business
Uncover indie e-books
Share with strangers
The Art of the Veer
The Carousel of Happiness
Your Adventure In Providence
Promotional Series: Spirit of California
Promotional Series: Spirit of New Mexico
Calendar
Find fun on the fly
Fun!
Spotlight
Community Outreach
Products & Services
Flight Service
Terminal Maps
Information
Rapid Rewards and A+ Rewards Partners
Route Map
Sit down with Sarah McLachlan
The “If” List

Spirit Magazine - May 2014