South Florida Sun-Sentinel (Sunday)
Food a language that feeds everyone
Sarah Wayne Callies is known for her roles in the popular series “The Walking Dead” and “Prison Break.” The actress returns to episodic television on March 24 with the new NBC series “Council of Dads.”
Born in Illinois and raised in Hawaii, Callies travels often for her career, as well as for humanitarian work for organizations such as the International Rescue Committee and the LEGO Foundation.
When she’s taking a personal trip, though, she has a tried-and-true method: “I ask people I know who grew up there (for tips). I’m happy to skip the Eiffel Tower, the Empire State Building and the Sydney Opera House in favor of some tiny little tea shop or local art gallery or cheese-making class or hike into the middle of nowhere.”
An edited version of our conversation follows.
Q: What is your favorite vacation destination?
A: Nagano, Japan. I spent a week there a few winters back and it was so extraordinary. I’ve always loved Japan. It’s ancient and modern at the same time, from the food, to the clothes, to the architecture. I stayed in a ryokan that had been in the same family for 16 generations and ate kaiseki dinner every night. Some of the best food I’ve ever had. So healthy, delicious and prepared to look like artwork. During the day, I’d hike to see the snow monkeys. When I came back tired and cold, there were these onsen to soak in. I’d go back tomorrow. It was magic.
Q: What untapped destination should people know about?
A: I was in Jordan in 2013. It was mostly refugee work. But I had time to explore Aman and Petra and Wadi Rum. I think some Americans are afraid to travel in the Middle East, because so much of our news coverage is about violence and instability there. But my experience was of such moving hospitality and vast history. I loved it, the people, culture, art and the food — my goodness. If I could only eat one cuisine for the rest of my life, it would be food from the Middle East.
Q: What was the first trip you took as a child?
A: American Samoa when I was 2, but I’ve only heard about it. I don’t have any memories from that trip, which is kind of heartbreaking because it’s the only South Pacific island I’ve been to and I’d love to go back. The first trip I really remember well was Wales. My parents were on sabbatical, so we lived there for a while when I was 8. I went to school there for a bit. They really didn’t like Americans at the time, so the start was rocky. I got the feedingthe-sheep-in-the-rain chore. But for a girl from Hawaii, sheep were exotic and the Welsh countryside felt like Middle Earth. I guess over time, the kids just got used to me. Before long, I had sleepovers and friends and it broke my heart to leave.
Q: What’s the most important thing you’ve learned from your travels?
A: We’re more similar than we are different. It’s not complicated. Work hard and be nice to people. Food is an international language. When all else fails, make someone a meal and eat it together. The more I travel, the smaller the world gets. It’s comforting.
Q: Where is the most romantic destination?
A: I was in Prague in 1997. I’ve heard it’s changed a lot since then, but the Charles Bridge was about as romantic as I could imagine. There was a man playing a glass harp and the whole place seemed like it was just on the other side of the looking glass. I’m almost afraid to go back and see if it’s all different now.
For more from the reporter, visit www.jaehakim.com.