Nothing quite like Christmas in Rome
Kimberly He bert Gregory’ s latest role is as Yvette on ABC’s “Kevin (Probably) Saves the World.” During her time off from filming, she enjoys heading off on trips with family and friends. “It’s getting harder to find untapped destinations nowadays,” says the Los Angeles-based actress. “One ofmy favorite places is Lake Retba (Senegal). It’s a beautiful pink lake and is in a part of theworld with which I am completely obsessed. The beauty there is incomparable.”
An edited version of our conversation follows.
Q: What is your favorite vacation destination?
A: My sister’s wedding was right outside of Cape Town, South Africa. We were able to take in some of the country’s history and culture, which is the reason for traveling.
Q: For people going there for the first time, what would you recommend that they do during their visit?
A: Iwould recommend the trip to Robben Island. It is where Nelson Mandela was imprisoned, and it is nowa museum. What I was most moved by was the fact that the tour guides are all ex-political prisoners whowere imprisoned there. The perspective on life, liberty, identity and activism are very tangible coming from these guides. (Itwas) moving, to say the least. Also, while there, take in Table Mountain, the Victoria and Alfred Waterfront, and go on a safari.
Q: Whatwas the first trip you took as a child? And did you love it… or not so much?
A: The first real trip we took as a family that wasn’t a road trip to Galveston Beach (Texas), whichwas about an hour away from our home, was a trip with family friends to Dallas. I loved it. Remember when the best vacations were actually hanging out at the hotel pool with family and friends? Itwas one of those times.
Q: If you’ve ever gone away for the holidays, whichwas the best trip?
A: Just last Christmas, my family and I celebrated the Christmas holiday in Rome. Itwas the first time we traveled out of the country to celebrate the holiday, and itwas the best. We attended the Christmas Eve Mass at the Vatican. Itwas astonishingly beautiful. We stood outside with tens of thousands of people fromall around theworld. Some were singing Christmas carols in their own languages, but everyone hummed along. My little nephew andmy son ate Italian pizza as we waited to go inside the Vatican. It was the most foreign and familiar experience for that holiday.
Q. Where would you like to go that you have never been to before?
A: I haven’t been to Greece, and Iwould desperately like to visit.
Q: What would be your dream trip?
A: My fantasy trip would definitely be coastal, perhaps the coast of Italy, Amalfi Coast, having yoga in the morning, massages in the afternoon and reveling in the evening. Spending most of the day relaxing in the sun with crystal bluewater lapping atmy toes is kind of a dream.
Q: What is your guilty pleasure when you’re on the road?
A: When on the road, I really do like to indulge in some kind of junk food and art. There is nothing like getting a bag of fries or gelato on the road. Also, I have made a commitment to getting a piece of local art— masks, paintings, bracelets, statuettes, tapestries— when traveling.
Q: What is your best vacation memory?
A: My entire family sitting in a small Italian apartment living room opening Christmas presents in our pajamas. That was the best!