By Jae-Ha Kim
Tribune Media Services
May 11, 2010
Director and author Paul Feig may be the one American who vacations in suits. “My wife and I just love to travel,” says the 47-year-old Los Angeles resident. “We go to Europe quite a bit. I think most of the photos have me in suits. OK, maybe not most of them, but I do like to wear suits a lot. I guess I’m a throwback to the days when people dressed up to travel.” Best known for creating “Freaks and Geeks,” Feig also co-executive produced “The Office,” directed episodes of “Nurse Jackie” and acted in films such as “Knocked Up.”
Q. What is your favorite vacation destination?
A. I love going to London and Venice, whether it’s for a vacation or to just lay back and write. But if I had to pick one place, I’d say it’s Scotland. The first time I went to Scotland was for the Edinburgh Festival in the 1990s. I felt such a crazy connection with the place. I just love it there. It’s so beautiful with all the dark greens and rich browns of the earth. The driving on the other side of the road can be a little weird at times. I pulled a U-turn over a hill and saw a truck coming at me — not the smartest thing to do. But the British know how to do roundabouts. I’m such a big proponent of roundabouts! It’s the smartest thing. They reduce intersection accidents and make such sense if you know what to do.
Q. Where are your favorite weekend getaways?
A. Vegas is always fun and a quick and easy trip. My wife and I enjoy dressing up for shows.
Q. What are your favorite restaurants?
A. I can’t remember the names of the places, but there are a ton of great places in Scotland that serve haggis. I love haggis, but it has to be spicy and fresh! They make a big ceremony of the cutting of the haggis in Skibo. My wife won’t touch it though!
Q. When you go away, what are some of your must-have items?
A. Suits and ties. I used to be able to pack and travel with one bag when I was in my 20s, but I’m a bit of a big packer these days. I wear suits and ties all the time. I feel weird if I’m not in them. I even wear them on planes, though I’m starting to rethink that. When you dress up and fly, they strip search you. You get no reward for being well dressed. Security thinks you’re up to something!
Q. What are some of your favorite cities?
A. I have some interesting memories of my college years. I did two years at Wayne State in Detroit and then went to film school at the University of Southern California. My wife and her whole family are from Chicago, which is a great city. Also, just about any city in Scotland. I have a lot of favorites.
Q. What is your best vacation memory?
A. We went to the Isle of Skye for our honeymoon and that was pretty amazing. We flew from London to Edinburgh, then took a train to Fort William and then drove all around the Highlands. I’m part Scottish so I guess that might be part of my fascination with Scotland. I got married in a kilt and I’ve worn it both ways. At my wedding, I wore underwear, which was good, since someone lifted me up.
Q. How do you try to fit in when you’re a tourist?
A. I’m always in a suit so I guess I always look like I fit in or like I’m a tourist, depending on what country I’m in.
© 2010 JAE-HA KIM
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