ArcaMax

Q. Have you traveled to a place that stood out so much that you felt compelled to incorporate it into your work?

A. I lived in Moscow for a few months in college to study at the Moscow Art Theater and initially all I did was try to recreate my time in Russia in every scene or play I did when I got back. I think I still incorporate a great deal of my time there into my work, especially on "Transparent."

Q. Where are your favorite weekend getaways?

A. I love Dia:Beacon in upstate New York. I love Woodstock. Fire Island in the summers. Philadelphia is a sweet city, too. Incredible food.

Q. Where is the most romantic destination?

A. You know, I haven't done much traveling with partners, really. I had a romantic fling in Berlin and it was gorgeous on a bike. Cycling through Tiergarten is a very romantic way to spend an afternoon. When I was much younger, I had the sweetest little romance in Tuscany. The alleys, sunsets, bars, food, art, architecture, air, scenery. ... I love Italy. Also, let's not forget about how romantic New York is.

Q. If you've ever gone away for the holidays, which was the best trip?

A. I love to spend Christmas and New Year's in Europe. I've done it a few times now. Christmas in Germany is adorable and beyond charming. The Christmas fairs and lights and food are really fantastic. I spent New Year's on the Spanish Steps in Rome several years ago and it was perfect. It was a party all night, though mellow and slow. It started with dinner, then drinks, then more drinks, then gelato, then prosecco on the Steps at midnight. Then more drinks. Then a terrific walk home and a bath and risotto the next day and, somehow, miraculously hangover free!

Q. What are your five favorite cities?

A. Berlin, London, New York, Moscow, Rome.

Q. Where would you like to go that you have never been to before?

A. Paris. Spain. I really want to travel the Silk Road. I'd love to do that train trip. I want to go to Prague, Sweden, Norway, South Africa, India, Japan, Mexico. How will I go to all of these places?

Q. What is your best vacation memory?

A. The first time I was in Berlin, I rented a bike and biked the entire city for a week with no metro card. I think it's one of my best travel memories, because I was going through a breakup and I felt so wholly independent and free-spirited. The city felt both familiar and so complicated -- it was like I could see the history in layers all over in a way I had never encountered in other European cities. I remember I came back saying, "If Berlin was a person, I'd be friends with them." I like complex, layered, eccentric people, and Berlin is the epitome of that.

========

(Jae-Ha Kim is a New York Times bestselling author and travel writer. You can respond to this column by visiting her website at www.jaehakim.com. You may also follow "Go Away With..." on Twitter at @GoAwayWithJae where Jae-Ha Kim welcomes your questions and comments.)

(c) 2017 DISTRIBUTED BY TRIBUNE MEDIA SERVICES, INC.