Jae-Ha Kim
Chicago Tribune
November 25, 2020
Dexter Darden has played everyone from the fictional Frypan in “The Maze Runner” franchise to embodying the spirit of the late civil rights leader, John Lewis, in Spike Lee’s film, “Son of the South.” His latest project is on the Peacock’s reboot of “Saved by the Bell,” where he plays a loner who’s looking to start anew at Bayside High. A resident of Los Angeles, the 29-year-old actor stays in touch with fans via Instagram and Twitter.
Q: What trip stands out?
A: Taking my mother to Egypt last year by far! She made sure I was well traveled, so it was an honor and dream come true to return the favor.
Q: If you’ve ever gone away for the holidays, which was the best trip?
A: Last year I took my mother to Egypt for Thanksgiving and it was incredible! My mother and I got to see everything – the Great Sphinx of Giza, the pyramids, we cruised down the Nile River, toured temples, saw King Tut’s tomb. … It was also incredible just having the chance to dive into the traditional cuisine of Egypt and having a dining experience that you can truly only participate in when you’re immersed in that culture.
Q: What was the first trip you took as a child? And did you love it, or not so much?
A: So, I have sickle cell anemia. My dad passed away when I was seven. I spent about six months out of that year in the hospital and they weren’t sure I was going to make it. So, Make-A-Wish Foundation was kind enough to grant me and my family an all-expense paid trip to Walt Disney World. It was incredible!
Q: What is your favorite vacation destination?
A. So far, Jamaica. But I would really love to get to Bora Bora.
Q: To someone who was going to Jamaica for the first time, what would you recommend that they do during their visit?
A: Honestly, go to visit Bob Marley’s home. Embrace his genius and artistry.
Q: What untapped destination should people know about?
A: Turks and Caicos is another personal favorite. I went for my 25th birthday with a bunch of my friends. We rented a house on the beach and just relaxed. We hired a chef who prepared us traditional island cuisine like conch fritter, rice and peas, cabbage and calalu (greens). (There were) fantastic vibes
Q: What’s the most important thing you’ve learned from your travels?
A: Embrace the culture. So many people travel and get upset when it’s not like America. Abandon all privilege and immerse yourself in their lifestyle.
Q: If you could only pick one place to eat, which would you choose: A casual meal at a food truck or fine dining at a nice restaurant?
A: Wow. I’m such a foodie, so this is a tough one. It depends on the style of food. (For) tacos? A street cart or stand. (For) Italian? A nice sit-down (meal).
Q: Where are your favorite weekend getaways?
A: Honestly, I just got back home to the Philadelphia and New Jersey area seeing all my family and friends.
Q: Where is the most romantic destination?
A: That I’ve been to personally? Italy. If you do it the right way, it can be incredible.
Q: Do you speak any foreign languages? And in the same train of thought, do you pick up new languages easily?
A: I do not speak any different languages (fluently), unfortunately, but I do pick them up easily and want to learn.
Q: What are your five favorite cities?
A: In America, Philadelphia, Seattle, Los Angeles, New York and Atlanta.
Q: Where have you traveled to that most reminded you of home?
A: Seattle.
Q: Where would you like to go that you have never been to before?
A: Japan! Bucket list trip.
Q: When you go away, what are some of your must-have items?
A: My camera, headphones and comfy kicks.
Q: What would be your dream trip?
A: Bora Bora for my honeymoon with my wife. I’m single, but I hope it will happen soon.
Q: What is your guilty pleasure when you’re on the road?
A: It’s a guilty pleasure, but it’s a must. Breaking all thoughts of diet. (Laughs) I love food, so when I’m in a specific place, I want to try all of it!
Q: What kind of research do you do before you go away on a trip?
A: Enough to feel safe and secure. I don’t like to provide myself with many limitations, so as long as I’m safe and comfortable, I’m good.
© 2020 JAE-HA KIM
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