Airbnb is legally opposing bnb-side, a small bed-and-breakfast on England's Isle of Portland, over use of the acronym 'BnB' in its name. The guesthouse, which funds the local arts festival b-side, argues that 'BnB' is a generic descriptor for bed-and-breakfast, while Airbnb claims it infringes its global brand. The case is before the UK Intellectual Property Office with no ruling yet made.
On September 11, 2001, the author watched the attacks unfold on Dutch television after a friend's message. Two stranded travelers—an American woman named Jennifer and a Finnish woman named Minnie—ended up in Amsterdam after flights to the US were cancelled, and the author helped them find shelter and shared a memorable meal at a local restaurant.