The conversation covers a wide range of topics, including expat life, passport privilege, settling in Portugal, and economic privilege. Mariam shares her experiences of living in different countries, obtaining citizenship, and the challenges of moving to Portugal. She also discusses the themes of cultural diversity, language acquisition, and the transformative experience of living in a foreign country. The interview also highlights the release of Mariam's debut novel set in Portugal.

Takeaways

• Living as an expat in different countries provides a unique perspective on passport privilege and the disparities in treatment based on nationality.
• The process of obtaining citizenship and settling in a new country can be challenging, especially during a pandemic.
• Economic privilege plays a significant role in the expat experience, and it's important to be aware of the impact on the local community.
• The conversation highlights the cultural exchange and growth that comes with expat life, as well as the need for respect and responsibility toward the host country and its people. Gentrification in Portugal has led to economic privilege and displacement of local businesses.
• Living abroad comes with a responsibility to be aware of economic impact and to contribute positively to the local community.
• Language acquisition and cultural diversity play a significant role in the transformative experience of living in a foreign country.
• Mariam's debut novel explores the impact of place on personal identity and the cross-cultural experiences of individuals living in Portugal.