By Jae-Ha Kim
Tribune Media Services
February 8, 2011
Ballroom dancer Anna Trebunskaya is best known for her appearances on “Dancing with the Stars.” Last year, she guided Olympic figure skating champion Evan Lysacek to a second-place finish. The Russian dancer immigrated to the United States when she was 17. Now 30, Trebunskaya resides in Hermosa Beach, Calif., with her husband and fellow “DWTS” pro, Jonathan Roberts.
Q. What is your favorite vacation destination?
A. It would have to be split between London and Cabo San Lucas, Mexico. I love the art, history, theater and fashion in London and the fact that everything is in English. You can’t beat that. And the beauty of beaches, amazing resorts, food and friendliness of locals are so attractive in Cabo San Lucas. They’re both amazing.
Q. Where are your favorite weekend getaways?
A. New York City, San Francisco and Northern California and Las Vegas.
Q. What are your favorite hotels?
A. I have traveled a bit so I do appreciate a beautiful hotel. My favorites would be the Casa Dorada in Cabo San Lucas; the Palazzo in Las Vegas; the Phoenician in Scottsdale, Ariz.; the Ritz-Carlton in Philadelphia; the Gramercy Park Hotel in New York City; the Fairmont in San Francisco; the InterContinental in Chicago; the Pfister Hotel in Milwaukee; the Hotel Du Pont in Wilmington, Del.; and the Fontainebleau in Miami.
Q. What are your favorite restaurants?
A. In California, Zane’s in Hermosa Beach; Sashi in Manhattan Beach; Aroma Bakery & Cafe in Encino; Asia De Cuba in Los Angeles and The Little Door and The Little Next Door in Los Angeles. I also like Wagamama in London; Le Procope in Paris; and Mix in Las Vegas.
Q. When you go away, what are some of your must-have items?
A. iPod, sunscreen, a book, cashmere blanket, perfume and all the essentials would be in my carry-on — just in case.
Q. What are your five favorite cities?
A. London, New York, Moscow, Paris and Barcelona.
Q. What kind of research do you do before you go away on a trip?
A. I do a hotel research and also (research) the area around hotel. When in London, New York or Moscow, I like to see what shows and plays are on. I also research galleries and museums. I ask friends for recommendations of restaurants and places to go.
Q. Where would you like to go that you have never been to before?
A. I would love to visit Prague. I’ve heard it’s a beautiful city.
Q. What is your best and/or worst vacation memory?
A. The worst vacation memories would be the times when something unpredictable has happened and I end up without luggage or 10 hours delayed. One time I was flying from Moscow to the United States and we had to stop in Ireland because of a drunken passenger who became violent. Now, I think of all those mishaps with a kind of humor and they really weren’t that bad.
I am really fortunate to have been to great places, but it’s always the people you’re with that make it the best memory. I must say that when my husband and I were in Paris we stayed with friends. We were kindly taken around the city by our friends and shown places that only locals would know about and saw all the wonderful tourist attractions without feeling like an outsider. That made it really special. Also on our recent trip to Cabo, we were there with a few good friends and also met a wonderful group of people. It’ll also be on our “Best Trip Ever” list.”
© 2011 JAE-HA KIM
DISTRIBUTED BY TRIBUNE MEDIA SERVICES, INC.
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