Journalist, Author & Syndicated Columnist
“Each language has its own advantages,” says Dino Lingo founder Serdar Acar. “I realized that being able to communicate in (more) languages opened new doors and opportunities for me. But when it comes to traveling, I think English speakers are a bit luckier, because you can find an English-speaking person most of the time, especially if you stick to the tourist routes. That is why most people in other countries learn English.”
My friends have asked me why I don’t just delete the negative comments on my site. It’s because the comments document a certain sector of our population that takes great joy in being anonymously nasty. And, please. As a kindergartner, I had to learn to deal with adults saying scary, racist things to my face. These comments were almost comical by comparison.
Kunal Nayyar was so much fun to interview (see my post below). Many of you already know that he has written an autobiographical book called, “Yes, My Accent Is Real: And Some Other Things I Haven’t Told You.” His publisher has given me a copy of his book to giveaway to one luck winner. Want it? Let me know! #WinWithJae
“It’s interesting living and working in two different countries — both India and the United States,” says “The Big Bang Theory” star Kunal Nayyar. “Whenever I have time, I go to India and see my mom and dad. We’ll be there for Christmas. And for work, I’m based out of Los Angeles.”
Broadway star Lea Salonga’s latest role is in “Allegiance.” Starring opposite George Takei, she portrays an American woman of Japanese descent whose family is locked away in an internment camp during World War II. Based out of Manila, Salonga has relocated to New York for the production’s run. Just 17 when she auditioned for “Miss Saigon” — a role that would win her a Tony Award — Salonga has gone on to star in musicals such as “Les Miserables.”
If you’re a fan of Keanu Reeves and/or horror films, you may be interested in checking out “Knock Knock,”which will be in stores on Dec. 8, 2015. And guess what? In conjunction with Lions Gate Entertainment, I’ve giving away 5 copies of the DVD. #WinWithJae
“I’m blessed in my life to have had the good fortune to travel and I never take that for granted,” says actor Cary Elwes. “It’s a wonderful gift to go to new places and meet new people.” Elwes’ breakthrough role came almost 30 years ago when he was selected to play the dashing (and funny) Westley in the movie “The Princess Bride.” Since then, the Los Angeles-based Brit has appeared in numerous films, such as “Glory,” “Liar Liar” and “Saw.”
“I grew up in Seattle, so Hawaii was a popular destination for my family and a decently close plane ride,” says “Thursday Night Football” sports reporter Megan Alexander. “Lahaina, Maui, has got to be one of the most beautiful islands on the planet. The beaches are beautiful, the Hawaiian people are so relaxed and friendly and the tropical drinks are delicious, because of the fresh fruit. There is just something magical about the plane touching down in Hawaii and the pilot saying, ‘Aloha and Mahalo.’”
When asked for a unique destination that he would recommend, “Expedition Unknown” host Josh Gates says, “Cuba. Go right now and you’ll see Havana as it existed 50 years ago — classic cars, sleepy streets and music in the air. Go in five years and there’ll probably be an Applebee’s where (Ernest) Hemingway used to drink.”
Fans love to hate Joe Morton’s portrayal of Rowan (Olivia Pope’s father) on the hit ABC drama, “Scandal.” The actor, 68, remembers, “I was in Williamstown, Mass., to see some plays and this woman came up to me and said, ‘I didn’t recognize you right away, but I knew I hated you!’” Laughing, he adds, “We had a lovely long conversation after that. But people do react to my role on ‘Scandal.’”
“Four out of seven days a week, I’m on planes or my tour bus,” says comedian Gabriel Iglesias. “I’ve been to all 50 states and over 30 countries around the world, but my favorite place is my own bed.”
“Many of the winemakers crush the grapes in the streets in front of their houses,” says David Baker, the author of “Vintage.” “They make the wine in their basements.” Where is this magical place that only seems to exist on “I Love Lucy”? Read my interview with the Oregonain to find out.
“A lot of people only think about five or six national parks, but there are more than 400 national parks across the country,” says Will Shafroth, president and CEO of The National Park Foundation. “A few examples: are the Pullman National Monument in Illinois, the Martin Luther King Jr. National Historic Site in Georgia and the Rosie the Riveter WWII Home Front National Historical Park in California.”
“Pretty Girls” author Karin Slaughter has a zest from travel. She says, “I do find that when I’ve done something unusual on a trip, like swim with the sharks in Australia or sit in a sauna in Finland, then jump naked into the iced-over Baltic, that it has given me an appreciation for the comforts of home. Nothing makes you love fried chicken and a warm biscuit even more than eating limp meat from a roadside stand in Croatia.”
“I’ve been really fortunate to get to see a good part of the world through dance,” says choreographer and dancer Travis Wall, 28. “One of my favorite places was Australia, which just felt like home. It was one of the nicest places and the people were so nice to Americans! I’m really looking forward to touring there next year.”
Cousins Anthony Carrino and John Colaneri are the hosts of the HGTV television series “America’s Most Desperate Kitchens.” Based out of New Jersey, Carrino, 36, and Colaneri, 34, travel constantly for work. Despite this, they say that they still enjoy traveling for fun. Carrino just returned from a motorcycle trip around Italy. And Colaneri says he looks forward to taking another road trip, like the kind he took as a kid with his parents. “Experience and do as much as you can while traveling,” Colaneri says. “This is the time to get adventurous and immerse in the culture.”
Kelly Clark is a four-time Winter Olympian (2002 through 2014) who has won a gold medal and two bronze medals. The halfpipe specialist has said that if she stays at the top of her game, she would love to represent Team USA at the 2018 Winter Olympics in Pyeongchang, South Korea.
“There’s nothing like the Olympics,” she says. “The Salt Lake City Games was such a memorable experience. For me, winning the first gold medal for the United States on U.S. soil was a big moment in my career.”
“My favorite memories are of my children and my husband walking along the beaches searching for seashells and sea creatures,” says “Entertainment Tonight” host and Evine fashion designer Nancy O’Dell. “It seems so simple, but we do this on every Hawaii or beach trip and we love it. It just makes me happy to think of it. I could probably make 10 scrapbooks alone of all the beautiful things from nature we have found on the beach.”
“On so many levels, my dream trip still remains South Korea,” says “Top Chef” winner and “36 Hours” host Kristen Kish. “When my time is right, it will happen. I’m not quite ready yet, but it doesn’t keep me from thinking about exploring the place where I was born.”
An avid traveler, model and author Carol Alt says that there are still a few key places on her bucket list. “I’ve never been to the Far East,” says Alt. “I’ve been offered many trips there, but the moment was never right. I think it would really be worth it to go there one day.”