By Jae-Ha Kim
Los Angeles Times
September 25, 2018
Journalist Jeff Glor is the anchor of the “CBS Evening News” — a spot once occupied by the iconic Walter Cronkite. He has traveled the world for his job, interviewing President Emmanuel Macron in France, President Donald Trump in Scotland and covering the U.S. military in Iraq. But his most memorable destination stands out for personal reasons: He was married in Mexico. A former New Yorker, Glor and his family reside in Connecticut. “We moved there from Manhattan almost two years ago,” says Glor, 43. “Part of me will always miss living in New York City, but nothing beats having a yard, a pool and a grill.” Viewers may stay in touch with him on Facebook and Twitter.
Q. What was your experience being embedded with the U.S. military?
A. I was embedded with U.S. soldiers in Iraq. The most interesting experience was riding along as they searched for IEDs outside of Baghdad. You quickly get even more appreciation for the risks our troops expose themselves to every day.
Q. You were in Singapore to cover the North Korea Summit. I’m guessing you didn’t have time to go sightseeing.
A. (Singapore is) great, but I didn’t even get a chance to try the iconic Sling. The team was reporting for both morning and evening shows and doing special reports in primetime. The 12-hour time difference was challenging — never got a regular night of sleep for about five days. It was mostly cramming in 30-minute naps here and there. What I did see of the city, however, was beautiful. And everything you’ve heard about how great the hospitality is in Singapore is 100 percent true. The people are wonderful.
Q. What is your favorite vacation destination?
A. Mexico is still a favorite for me. It’s where I got married and we return every year with the kids. My wife’s family has a place just outside of Tulum. As difficult as unplugging can be, it’s much easier there. I take my phones with me, but mostly just so people can reach me in case of big breaking news or an emergency back home. I often measure these vacations by how many books I can read.
Q. What untapped destination should people know about?
A. That’s a good one. I always love talking up the Finger Lakes. Stunning terrain, underrated wine and amazing local bed and breakfasts and small hotels. We used to visit all the time when I lived in Central New York.
Q. What was the first trip you took as a child?
A. The first time I got on a plane was to Florida for a family Disney trip. I loved it. But I was very impatient and kept trying to drag my mother and father and brothers to as many rides as possible. I’m taking the kids for the first time this fall! My mother is going to join and I hope it’s going to very special for everyone. Three generations in the Magic Kingdom.
Q. What are some of your favorite cities?
A. New York City. There is no other big city like it. San Francisco. Paris. Jackson, Wyoming.
Q. Where have you traveled to that most reminded you of home?
A. My wife and I were just in Germany for a few days. Parts of the landscape and scenery there reminded me a great deal of western New York. It was really special.
Q. Where would you like to go that you have never been to before?
A. For work, North Korea, without minders. North Korea remains beyond mysterious and fascinating; however unlikely, a chance to visit without interference would be a big personal and professional accomplishment. For fun, the Maldives. It’s not going to happen right now, but I’d love to take a month with the family and hit as many islands as possible. Some day!
Q. When you go away, what are some of your must-have items?
A. Bose noise-canceling headphones, my Kindle and Blundstone boots. None of them pay me, I promise! It’s just good quality stuff. The headphones let me escape airplane noise, the Kindle lets me browse through multiple books without taking up much space in my luggage and the boots really work with anything — a suit for a formal interview, or beat-up jeans and a T-shirt in the middle of a disaster.
Q. What would be your dream trip?
A. A safari in Africa, I suppose. There has to be a reason why everyone who goes says you must do it. This is another trip that would take an extended period of time, but I’m determined to make it happen!
Q. What is your guilty pleasure when you’re on the road?
A. I have taken far too many Snickers from minibars. But I still prefer Twizzlers.
Q. What kind of research do you do before you go away on a trip?
A. Books, books, books. I always collect the best ones I can on any subject and devour as much as possible.
© 2018 JAE-HA KIM
DISTRIBUTED BY TRIBUNE CONTENT AGENCY, LLC.
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