Olivia Balsinger

Still others come to while away the hours at the iconic Hotel California’s long wooden bar, which, contrary to local lore, is not the same place named in the Eagles song. The area is so enchanting that in 2006, the Mexican government designated Todos Santos a Pueblo Mágico—one of just 100 or so small towns honored for its natural beauty, cultural riches, or historical relevance Vibrant and active, Todos Santos was initially founded as a Mission in 1723 by Padre Jaime Bravo. The mission in Todos Santos was quickly named Nuestra Señora del Pilar de la Paz for the town’s patron saint, the Virgin of Pilar, whose feast day is still celebrated annually on October 12. Surfing has a long history in Baja culture, and Playa Cerritos, located about 20 minutes south of town, is no doubt the most popular beach for newbies and experts alike; it’s relatively easy to get to (down a dirt road!) and offers both a gentle beach break and a more adventurous rocky point break.

A boutique luxury women’s fashion brand nestled in NYC’s Garment District, AYSHA New York pivoted during COVID by downsizing its showroom, moving closer to its manufacturers and designing a new collection that was comfortable yet chic. To date, Vida has committed more than $115,000 to support local communities through COVID, donated over half-a-million meals on the table for over half a million households and donated protective masks to over 30,000 local communities in need. As featured in the New York Times, the new book Men to Avoid in Art and Life by Nicole Tersigni pairs classical fine art with modern captions that epitomize the spirit of mansplaining. To date, Simple Vodka has donated over 1 million meals to hunger relief organizations in the U.S. Simple Vodka is farmed and distilled in Idaho from 100% Idaho russet potatoes.

The terrain in the valley, leading up the through the coast mountains to the jaw dropping Mount Currie located within a birds eye view of the town, make it a stunning destination and a winter paradise! In 1827 the first men landed on the valley taking knee trembling journeys through the Mount Currie area to try to establish a route for the trade. Oddly, the village was never used by the HBC company but their discoveries were very important for the gold rush during the 1850’s when in 1858 over 30,000 miners penetrated the area. With the advantage of some small hotels and great inns and its close proximity to Whistler Backcomb Mountain resort ( 20 minutes), this is an ideal adventure so close to Vancouver.

Join us in the cockpit with Kunal Kapur – an Indian celebrity chef and restauranteur best known for hosting and judging MasterChef India. I research and document food, culinary traditions, local produce, history, culture and anything that links me to the food history of the place. Meeting new people and understanding their way of living makes me more open to change, brings in more respect for other people, communities  and makes me a better being. Countries like Thailand, Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, Vietnam and Cambodia have a rich history and amazing food.