Go Away With … Christina Chang

By Jae-Ha Kim
Chicago Tribune
February 5, 2019

“I experienced culture shock when I moved to the United States,” says Christina Chang, who portrays Dr. Audrey Lim on the popular ABC series “The Good Doctor.” “I was born and grew up in Taipei. When I came to the States for college, I sounded like everyone who grew up here — because I went to an international school with an American curriculum — but I was so new to a lot of the culture, specifically the Midwest. There weren’t many Asian Americans and I was challenged most by feeling like I needed to assimilate to the social culture of the students while trying to navigate being 10,000 miles away from home and family. With time, I’ve settled in and feel very at home here now.”

Chang, who has appeared on hit shows such as “Nashville,” “Desperate Housewives” and “24,” attended the University of Kansas and graduated from the University of Washington in Seattle. Fans may stay in touch with her on Twitter and Instagram.

Q. What was the first trip you took as a child?

A. I’d say our visit to the Philippines when I was four years old stands out as the first true memory of a trip. I remember the food and getting to eat some of it with my hands, which I thought was so cool. I also have a specific memory of my dad’s family all gathered outside at night, surrounded by lots of food at a barbecue with roasted pig, lots of laughing and dancing Tinikling (a traditional Filipino folk dance). It was a heartwarming night and still an important memory for me.

Q. What is your favorite vacation destination?

A. Even though I grew up in Taiwan, I’d have to say India was probably the most unique place I’ve been so far. I loved experiencing what that vast country has to offer — wonderful people, seeing the great Taj Mahal, spending time observing puja at the Ganga River, meditating at the base of the Himalayas in Rishikesh, eating great food in Mumbai, soaking up the sun on a beach in Goa. … We really made an effort to try to take in as much as possible, connect with the people we crossed paths with and ended up making new friends.’

Q. What’s the most important thing you’ve learned from your travels?

A. Respecting the culture of the country you’re visiting. We are guests when we travel. We may not like every single city we visit or like all the foods that culture has to offer. But it’s just so cringe to me when people show up to a country they’re visiting and behave self-righteously and disrespectfully.

Q. If you had the time to return anywhere for a meal, where would it be?

A. In Taipei, there was a great dumpling and noodle stand that my dad used to eat at all the time. The woman who single-handedly hand-made every single dish and served all those meals from her cart every day eventually was able to turn it into a tiny hole-in-the-wall restaurant. I have memories of eating there many Sunday’s growing up. I crave that.

Q. Where are your favorite weekend getaways?

A. Ojai. It’s just been what my soul needs these days. I love the wide open space, the community, the quiet. I feel so much closer to the stars. There’s just something about that place that’s able to calm the ever-spinning top and evoke calm creativity.

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

A. Australia, Barcelona, Bora Bora, the Amalfi Coast, the coast of Croatia, Scotland, South Africa. The list could go on and on.

Q. When you go away, what are some of your must-have items?

A. Sneakers, sunglasses, Melatonin, Dramamine, a good book, body lotion.

Q. What would be your dream trip?

A. A year-long tour of my never been to places and places our good friends live in. I think seeing a city where friends live is a fantastic way in, and the bonus is you get to spend time with them. As I get older, I cherish even more the time I have with loved ones. A sunset with a glass of wine and old friends is fab.

Q. What is your guilty pleasure when you’re on the road?

A. Eating whatever I want and getting a spa massage. And, by the way, those are my guilty pleasures period.

Q. What kind of research do you do before you go away on a trip?

A. I start with what I’d like to do and see, and then I figure out where to stay. Restaurants come next. I take into account recommendations from friends, of course, but also check out online reviews. It’s not extensive research that I do, but I do make sure I have some idea of the neighborhood we’ll be staying in. And then a certain part of it is left up to spontaneity and seeing where the adventure leads me!

Q. What is your best vacation memory?

A. Being whisked away to Ixtapa for my birthday, though my 30th birthday trip to Tuscany with a group of friends is a close second. Truth be told, I’ve had a handful of great vacation experiences and hope to add more to the list once we’re on hiatus.

© 2019 JAE-HA KIM
DISTRIBUTED BY TRIBUNE CONTENT AGENCY, LLC.