Celebrity Travel: Go Away With Michele Halberstadt
Based out of a small village 40 minutes outside of Paris, French film producer Michele Halberstadt says, "I live in a house that used to be an old farm. Although it's close to the city, I'm surrounded by nature. I'm 60 years old and I've read from an Italian writer that 50 is the old age of youth, and 60 is the youth of old age. I like that." Also an author, Halberstadt's latest novel is "Mon amie americaine" (Other Press, $14.95). Fans may follower her on Twitter (https://twitter.com/LaCastafiore), where she tweets predominantly in French.
Q. What was the first trip you took as a child?
A. I was 5 years old. A cousin of my mother was getting married in London. So I took the plane for the first time, slept in a hotel for the first time, was dressed up as maid of honor for the first time and drank champagne for the first time. I never forgot that trip. That wedding did not last. But my memories are still vivid! Second trip was on a boat going to Israel. I got lost on the boat. When my father came to find me, after 30 minutes, I cried and asked him, "Why am I crying, although I'm so happy to see you?" That's when I discovered you can cry out of happiness too.
Q. What's the most important thing you've learned from your travels?
A. To be open to whatever happens. Traveling is an experience. You are going out of your boundaries. So enjoy it, instead of worrying about it. Anything can happen -- a lost suitcase, a bad hotel room, a delayed flight, a change of plan, a change of heart, good encounters, bad encounters. Stay open about it. It's an adventure. It's an door open to the unexpected. Also, it's a great opportunity to look at people who, again, are different from the ones you see every day. A look, a pair of glasses, a way of walking, a perfume. Traveling is an adventure. Whatever happens, it's the stuff your memories will be made of, so enjoy it -- have fun!
Q. Have you traveled to a place that stood out so much that you felt compelled to incorporate it into your work?
A. Actually, yes. I was so much in love with Hong Kong that we ended up producing a film there. So, I got to spend many months there and I loved every second of it -- the energy, the mix between modernity and tradition, the eagerness of the people, their kindness, their amazing cooking, (which was) the best food I ever had in my life -- except for their coffee. They don't know how to make a proper coffee, so make sure to find an espresso machine.
Q. Where are your favorite weekend getaways?
A. Cities are great for three-day weekends: London, New York, Rome, Amsterdam. If not, I love to just go to Normandy, near Deauville, where my sister has a house. It's an hour and a half from my door to hers. So it means I have (access to) the sea in less than a two-hour drive from my home.
Q. If you've ever gone away for the holidays, which was the best trip?
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