On the road
If you are still deciding where to plan your vacations for this year, the world’s largest travel website, Tripadvisor, just released its “Travellers’ Choice Best of the Best Destination Awards” based on feedback from millions of people. The list includes recommendations for activities and customised trips based on your interest. “We saw a resurgence of travel demand in 2022, and the outlook for this year is bright,” said Sarah Firshein, the head of editorial at Tripadvisor. “Long-haul trips have made a comeback, and we’re seeing a lot of Americans excited to plan trips to Asia and the Pacific region for the first time in several years. Cities like Paris and London, which may have taken a backseat to less populous destinations throughout the pandemic, are back on travellers’ minds, while places like Alaska and Cuba are also piquing a lot of interest.” In the overall “popular destination” list, Dubai remains at the number one spot globally, while New York City takes the top spot in the United States of America. In the trending destination list for 2023, Cuba takes the cake. Within the US, Juneau, Alaska, made its debut as the number one, offering up a chance to enjoy the beautiful Alaskan wilderness. Second on the list were Page, Arizona and Salem, Massachusetts. To take it up a notch, they even created a top food destinations list. Rome is the No. 1 food destination for 2023, while New Orleans tops the US list.
Exclusive shade
The latest fashion trend, popularised by TikTok, is the ‘vanilla girl’ aesthetic. It involves outfitting yourself in luxurious minimalism in neutral colors like beige and white, with an airy, cosy look. It takes over after last year’s trending vibe — the ‘clean girl’ look. To embody the vanilla girl, the goal is to keep it light and neutral. Make-up involves a light, natural and fresh look limited to lip gloss or light blush. Hair is left in a simple style — put up in a claw clip, loose strands or soft waves. Clothes can include linen shirts, creamy coloured clothes and knit cardigans. Elle Fashion points out the look is incomplete without flare yoga pants or Ugg boots. As several TikTok tags reveal, the vanilla girl is not only chic and looks effortless but she is also almost always white with blonde hair. One prominent black TikToker, @OliviaLayne6, said that the name ‘vanilla’ and the examples being used to demonstrate it in mainstream media make it seem like the trend is only for “pretty, thin, white women.” The trend is not inclusive despite its popularity, because the vanilla girl leaves out ‘chocolate’ and ‘caramel’ looks, as many social media users point out.
Historical awareness
In February, we celebrate Black History Month. This observance has been officially recognised for almost 50 years, yet still remains as relevant as ever even today. Schools and corporations try to do their best to educate people about black history in the US, but some schools still receive criticism as the debate over teaching racial history in school continues. For instance, Florida’s Stop WOKE Act, restricts certain race-related content in workplaces, schools and colleges in the state. ‘Woke’ is defined by the state administration as “the belief there are systemic injustices in American society and the need to address them”. It is exactly this kind of contention that necessitates Black History Month. There is a need to push back on the doctrine that it is not important for children to learn about true African-American history. Other states have shown progress in this area. In 2022, Connecticut required all state schools to offer black and hispanic studies. Two years ago, California became the first state to require high school students to complete an ethnic studies class to earn their diploma. Each year, the Association for the Study of African American Life and History chooses a different theme for Black History Month. This year, the theme is “Black Resistance”.
Season of firsts
The 57th Super Bowl took place in Glendale, Arizona, ending with a win for the Kansas City Chiefs against the Philadelphia Eagles. With two of the best teams playing against each other, the broadcast drew about 113 million viewers. In addition, the game was aired live on a giant screen in Times Square for the first time. It was also the first time that two brothers competed against each other on opposing teams and the first time in NFL history that the game featured two quarterback players who were black — Patrick Mahomes of the Kansas City Chiefs and Jalen Hurts of the Philadelphia Eagles. During the much-anticipated halftime show, Rihanna performed bits from 12 of her top hits, glowing in a bright red outfit with a peek of a probable baby bump, causing people to immediately ask the internet if Rihanna was pregnant. It later was confirmed by her agent that the pop singer is expecting her second child.
Footnote
Hollywood and Beverly Hills have their fair share of unique and outlandish Airbnb spots. The latest on the list allows you to rub shoulders with Seth Rogen as part of the experience. It includes a mid-century home in the Hollywood Hills where you can spend part of the evening hanging out and making pottery with Seth Rogen. You even get a goodie bag of items from Houseplant, Rogen’s cannabis and housewares company, a Rogen-designed ashtray set and a trio of records. The listing describes it as a “highly creative retreat”.
