Actress Chang reveals dream trip
“I experienced culture shock when I moved to the United States,” says Christina Chang, who portrays Dr. Audrey Lim on the popular ABC series “The Good Doctor.” “I was born and grew up in Taipei. When I came to the States for college, I sounded like everyone who grew up here — because I went to an international school with an American curriculum — but I was so new to a lot of the culture, specifically the Midwest. There weren’t many Asian-Americans and I was challenged most by feeling like I needed to assimilate to the social culture of the students while trying to navigate being 10,000 miles away from home and family.
With time, I’ve settled in and feel very at home here now.” Chang, who has appeared on hit shows such as “Nashville,” “Desperate Housewives” and “24,” attended the University of Kansas and graduated from the University of Washington in Seattle.
An edited version of our conversation follows.
... It’s just so cringe to me when people show up to a country they’re visiting and behave self-righteously and disrespectfully.
Q: What was the first trip you took as a child?
A: I’d say our visit to the Philippines when I was 4 years old stands out as the first true memory of a trip. I remember the food and getting to eat some of it with my hands, which I thought was so cool. I also have a specific memory of my dad’s family all gathered outside at night, surrounded by lots of food at a barbecue with roasted pig, lots of laughing and dancing Tinikling (a traditional Filipino folk dance). It was a heartwarming night and still an important memory for me.
Q: What is your favorite vacation destination?
A: Even though I grew up in Taiwan, I’d have to say India was probably the most unique place I’ve been so far. I loved experiencing what that vast country has to offer — wonderful people, seeing the great Taj Mahal, spending time observing puja at the Ganga River, meditating at the base of the Himalayas in Rishikesh, eating great food in Mumbai, soaking up the sun on a beach in Goa. We really made an effort to try to take in as much as possible, connect with the people we crossed paths with and ended up making new friends.
Q: What’s the most important thing you’ve learned from your travels?
A: Respecting the culture of the country you’re visiting. We are guests when we travel. We may not like every single city we visit or like all the foods that culture has to offer. But it’s just so cringe to me when people show up to a country they’re visiting and behave self-righteously and disrespectfully.
Q: If you had the time to return anywhere for a meal, where would it be?
A: In Taipei, there was a great dumpling and noodle stand that my dad used to eat at all the time. The woman who single-handedly hand-made every single dish and served all those meals from her cart every day eventually was able to turn it into a tiny hole-in-the-wall restaurant. I have memories of eating there many Sundays growing up. I crave that.
Q: What would be your dream trip?
A: A yearlong tour of my never-been-to places and places our good friends live in. I think seeing a city where friends live is a fantastic way in, and the bonus is you get to spend time with them. As I get older, I cherish even more the time I have with loved ones. A sunset with a glass of wine and old friends is fab.