So I went to India for an evening. Hah, just kidding! In today’s installment: traveling to far-off lands without a passport. Yes, it’s true! In Southern California you will find diasporas from all over the world, and not too far from Los Angeles you will find one of the largest Hindu temples outside of India. Make your way out to Chino Hills and you will find the first and only earthquake-proof Hindu temple in the world.

BAPS, Chino Hills.

For someone who loves architecture and has had India on her travel list for the longest time, the BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir suits the bill until I make my way there. The mandir sits on a 20-acre property and offers study spaces, a gym and even a cafeteria on site visitors of all faiths can visit. The property runs off the grid with its solar-powered system that is expected to eliminate 1,556 tons of CO2 emissions over a 25-year period. The place runs on a volunteer system and even offers Gujarati language classes for kids. It’s a fantastic community space, and I am looking forward to enjoying some festivals there in the near future.

Have you visited a place near home that reminds you of a different country?

Making the best of a mid-week evening.

— Maria Angeles, account executive