Check out a few of my favorite Kyoto veggie lunch options....there are some amazing ones despite the reputation of it being hard to find vegetarian food.
Read MoreThe Sweetness of the Slow Coast
On a foggy morning I pull off the side of Highway One and into Swanton Berry Farms. Complete with brightly hand painted signs and defiantly cheery sunflowers I watch as people step out of their cars and smile. Entering an old converted barn packed with nostalgic signs shouting the praises of strawberries on every available wall space I smiled and thought, this is the California that I hope the world imagines.
Read MoreFavorite Books about Mexico City
Jumping into the world books about a place is one of the best ways to get excited about visiting somewhere new. Mexico City has an incredible selection of books to choose from to inspire you! Check out my recent travel guide for more inspiration.
El Monstruo: Dread and Redemption in Mexico City
John Ross, 2009
Just days after the 1985 earthquake, the journalist/poet John Ross left New York and checked into room 102 of the not-so-classy Hotel Isabel in the Centro Historico of Mexico City, and stayed for 25 years. In that time, he reported on and loved Mexico City with a passion. El Monstruo is his ode to the city.
Down and Delirious in Mexico City
Daniel Hernandez, 2011
Mexico City’s subcultures, from punk and emo to glamorous drag to Virgin of Guadelupe pilgrims, come alive in this personal account of exploring contemporary Mexico City.
Nothing, Nobody: The Voices of the Earthquake
Elena Poniatowska, 1995
This oral-history account of the devastating 1985 earthquake and its tragic, revolutionary, and even inspiring aftermath, is a classic. Elena Poniatowska has often been compared to Studs Terkel for her insistent attention to people’s stories, and they truly come alive in these surprising accounts of life in the rubble of a shaken megacity.
Secret Zona Maco
Like most art fairs in the world some of the best things happen outside of the main fair Zona Maco. For me I love to use those days surrounding the main weekend enjoying the multitude of events that happen in parallel spaces. During Maco there is also an emerging fair called Material Art Fair which tends to focus on younger and emerging artists. It's a good one for discovering work artists that you may not know.
Here are a few places I would check out during Maco week!
Casa Vecina
Situated right in the heart of Centro Historico Casa Vecina is a really amazing place to find work that most likely will not be in art fairs. It focuses on a diverse range of contemporary work with focus on the city and community building. They have a little exhibition space that I've seen some of the most interesting work like an exhibition about the neighborhood that intricately creates and decorates monster trucks with a white mud.
Somos Mexas
This collective space is pretty incredible. It holds a lot of different kinds of events from music shows, to bike repair, to exhibitions, to fashion shows. Located right next la Merced market the crew that runs this space is a sweet and eclectic group of artists, designers, and architects committed to their neighborhood and their city. Check their website to make sure something is happening before heading over.
Casa Maauad
This space is a residency/exhibition/research center in San Rafael. It is housed in this incredible old mansion from the turn of the century. This is a good place to see work by local and international artists who generally tend to be younger and are taking pretty interesting creative risks.
Mexico City Favorites: Chiquitito Cafe
Spending an incredible week here in one of my favorite cities reminds me of what gems are hidden away here. Chiquitito is one of these. Enjoy this interview I did with them about how they are redefining coffee culture.
Read MoreA New Take on Japanese Guesthouse Culture
Starting the year off by sharing this lovely and economical place to stay in Tokyo. These folks at Hostel Bar Nui are creating a new approach to Japanese hospitality!
Read MoreTokyo Travel Guide Book Release!
Visit Tokyo, an ultra-modern wonder punctuated by tradition. This fascinating city is worthy of years of exploring. In this book begin to know the culture and mysteries housed in high-reaching skyscrapers and the tiny businesses run of traditional houses next door to them. Satori
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