By Jae-Ha Kim
Tribune Content Agency
January 12, 2016
On the Showtime series “Shameless,” Isidora Goreshter portrays a tough-talking Russian prostitute. Starring opposite heavy hitters such as William H. Macy is a dream come true, she says.
A resident of California, Goreshter says, “There’s nothing in the world quite comparable to Los Angeles, but I have visited Russia with my family and was able to see where my roots come from. I am first-generation American, so I was raised immersed in Russian culture, art and food; so Russia, in a way, reminded me of my childhood home.”
Fans may follow her on Twitter.
Q. What is your favorite vacation destination?
A. I went to Anguilla last summer and became completely enamored with the island. The beaches, the people and the food are all on another level. I’ve never experienced anything quite like it. Definitely rent a car. There are 33 beaches to discover and each tip of the island has something different to offer. Ken’s BBQ is a roadside barbecue stand that will blow your mind.
Q. What was the first trip you took as a child?
A. My parents took me on a cruise to the Caribbean when I was eight. It was my first time on an airplane, too. I clearly remember saying out loud, “I’m on a plane. Oh, my God! I’m on a plane.” I think I can still remember what I was wearing. It was a very visceral experience for me! I had the best time. I wanted to talk to all the locals and eat all the local food. I caught the travel bug pretty early.
Q. What’s the most important thing you’ve learned from your travels?
A. It’s OK not to have Wi-Fi and to leave your phone in the room. Being able to shut off electronically and just be present in a foreign city makes the experience much more tangible. Also, don’t be afraid to go off the beaten path and explore.
Q. Have you traveled to a place that stood out so much that you felt compelled to incorporate it into your work?
A. I was taking a playwriting class at UCLA and I had just come back from a trip to Paris. There’s something so mysterious about that city and I couldn’t stop thinking about my trip. I ended up writing a play in class about a young girl living on the streets of Paris who made money performing in a side show as a magician’s assistant. She meets an older man, and well, things happen. It wasn’t very good. Needless to say the play never went up!
Q. Where are your favorite weekend getaways?
A. Palm Springs or Santa Barbara. Big Sur, if you have a couple extra days so you can drive down the coast on your way home. That is a California must for anyone.
Q. Where is the most romantic destination?
A. I’m going to sound like a broken record, but Anguilla. You can completely disappear and feel like you are the only two people on the whole island.
Q. If you’ve ever gone away for the holidays, which was the best trip?
A. London during Christmas is magical. The entire city lights up and the holiday spirit is oozing out of every corner. And there’s the best New Year’s fireworks show overlooking the River Thames.
Q. What are your five favorite cities?
A. New York City, Copenhagen, London, Siena (go during Palio di Siena) and Barcelona.
Q. Where would you like to go that you have never been to before?
A. Ireland and Scotland are at the top of my list at the moment.
Q. When you go away, what are some of your must-have items?
A. Music. I will make a specific playlist for the trip. Books. Usually one for my bag and one for my suitcase, in case one gets finished. Moisturizer. Socks. You never know what kind of carpet you’re going to get in a hotel room!
Q. What would be your dream trip?
A. A hut in the middle of the water in Bora Bora.
Q. What is your guilty pleasure when you’re on the road?
A. Popcorn. I can’t leave home without a bag of it. If I’m in Europe, it’s bread and cheese. And then more bread. Then some red wine. Repeat.
Q. What kind of research do you do before you go away on a trip?
A. TripAdvisor is my best friend. I could spend hours doing research. I like the travel community on there. Once you navigate your way around the website, you can get to the good stuff where the pro travelers go to chat! That’s where you can find the real hidden gems. I enjoy the old school Rick Steves books, too. He can break down a European train schedule like nobody’s business!
Q. What is your best and/or worst vacation memory?
A. My Mom, Dad and I rented a car and drove through France for two weeks. It was an epic adventure, starting from the beginning of the trip where we couldn’t figure out how to start our diesel Citroen van. It felt more like a bus than a van. We stopped in these quaint little villages and drank local wine and walked through medieval castles. It was a very special trip for us. My parents are the best travel mates!
© 2016 JAE-HA KIM
DISTRIBUTED BY TRIBUNE CONTENT AGENCY, LLC.
