Go Away With … Tetona Jackson

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By Jae-Ha Kim
Chicago Tribune
December 28, 2021

“Before having a child, traveling for work was a lot of fun,” said Tetona Jackson, who stars as a journalist in the TV film, “The Housewives of the North Pole,” now streaming on Peacock. “But now – having a baby – I feel like working locally is a lot easier for me, especially having my family here and having them help with her. But there is a part of traveling I do miss – hopping on a plane without thinking of COVID-19, the pandemic and testing – and going somewhere really cool for work.” Fans may stay in touch with her on Instagram.

Q: You’re one of the few actresses I can think of who are also figure skaters. Where are some of the places you have skated on tour?
A: Some of the really cool places I got to visit are Japan, Australia, Colombia, Panama and, of course, all around the United States and Canada, which was a lot of fun. In the U.S., some great places I got to skate at were Madison Square Garden and the Staples Center and both of those were really cool. Outdoor rinks are a lot of fun, but if it’s for training, indoors.

Q: Did you travel at all for work during this pandemic?
A: I haven’t really taken any trips other than going to Utah to film “The Housewives of the North Pole.”

Q: Were there any trips you had to cancel because of the pandemic? 
A: As soon as the pandemic hit, we had just gotten back from filming (the second season of) “Boomerang,” so I was in the mindset of relaxing. I was not planning on traveling.

Q: What is your favorite vacation destination?
A: I haven’t been in a really long time, but I used to go to Germany and France a lot when I was younger. I definitely miss going out there. I think the European culture is so different from here and there are a lot more historical buildings (that are just) visually stimulating. It’s beautiful out there. With the holidays, those countries truly go all out. I am one of those weird people that loves snow. I think it’s because I’m never in it here in L.A. and I miss the snow.

Q: What was the first trip you took as a child?
A: For as long as I can remember, I want to say, my first trip was to Germany, because my mom has family in Germany, and I think we went to visit them. Loved it!

Q: What’s the most important thing you’ve learned from your travels? 
A: Learning to take the time to relax and understand different cultures. Growing up in the U.S., our mindset is that everything revolves around work, whereas in Europe, people take the time to relax, take vacation and do things for fun. Especially now having a baby, it’s kind of opening my eyes to have more of those moments.

Q: Do you speak any foreign languages?
A: I do speak fluent Farsi. I don’t necessarily want to say I pick up new languages easily, but I feel like when it comes to enunciation and accents, I am able to pick that up pretty fast.

Q: What are your five favorite cities? 
A: L.A., New York City, Vancouver, Atlanta and Paris. Filming out in Atlanta was so great. It’s really pretty out there and the food is amazing.

Q: When you go away, what are some of your must-have items?
A: Must-have items include a picture of Chanel, my dog. When I go away for work, I need a framed picture of Chanel, because I don’t always get to take her. Also, my skin care and a good set of shoes.

Q: What kind of research do you do before you go away on a trip? 
A: So, here is the thing. I am not one of those people that must have an itinerary and visit the must-sees when I travel. I like to obviously research different areas and the best places to stay and the best places to eat, but I kind of just go with the flow. I don’t make an itinerary or anything like that.

Q: What is your best vacation memory?
A: My best memory is what happened after a vacation. Last year, I went on a weekend trip to chill during the pandemic, which became the most memorable trip (because) I found out I was pregnant when I got back.

© 2021 JAE-HA KIM
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