Go Away With … Sheila E.

By Jae-Ha Kim
Tribune Content Agency
September 2, 2014

In her new book, “The Beat of My Own Drum: A Memoir” (Atria, $26), musician Sheila E. talks candidly about her rise to fame, her engagement to Prince and the backstory to how Lionel Richie ended up adopting her niece, Nicole. An avid traveler, the 56-year-old drummer says she enjoys exploring new destinations — especially if they have a warm beach. Based out of Los Angeles, she stays in touch with her fans via her Twitter account. Her latest CD is “Icon.”

Q. What is your favorite vacation destination?

A. Anywhere with family or friends that’s warm, sunny and fun. The Hawaiian Islands, Southern France, Italy. … I go where the sun goes. And, if there’s a beach, you know I’m there!

Q. What do you recommend that people do when they travel?

A. Stop for a moment to take it in, breathe it in, soak it in. I usually live at such a hectic, fast pace, that when I find the time for vacation I like to slow down first. Stop and visit with the locals, if you can. Take a step away from vacation mode to really experience the essence and culture of the place while you’re there. Also, make sure to seek out some great restaurants, many of the best places with the best food can go unnoticed if you don’t search for them. Have fun and discover!

Q. What untapped destination should people know about?

A. I was recently in Lucca, Italy. It’s just breathtaking there. I can’t wait to go back.

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

A. Honestly, as kids our parents would take us to places just outside the Bay Area. We would stay in small motels, in small towns. It was simple and wonderful, full of love and lasting memories.

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

A. That people make the places. Every place is unique in some way. That many things are temporary, so make it last and be present to the moment. No matter the destination, make the most of it and experience it on its own terms, be adventurous and be prepared to be surprised by all the wonderful things in front of you.

Q. Where have you traveled to that really stood out?

A. South Korea. The warmth and welcoming of the people there moved me to my core.

Q. What are your favorite hotels?

A. Those five-star hotels on the beach with 24-hour room service and large pools!

Q. What are your five favorite cities?

A. Anywhere in Italy, Nice (France), Minneapolis, New York and the Bay Area (in general).

Q. Where have you traveled to that most reminded you of home?

A. The Twin Cities, Minnesota. It’s got just the right amount of city and suburb, bustling and breathtakingly green — at least when it’s not winter.

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

A. New Zealand.

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

A. Beachwear, sunglasses, stiletto heels and a good book.

Q. What would be your dream/fantasy trip?

A. A tour of Greece, Italy and Spain.

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

A. Junk food and late nights.

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

A. Local landmarks and hidden treasures. (I also look for) restaurants, historical sites and night life.

Q. What is your best and/or worst vacation memory?

A. I’ll never forget the time I went on a cruise through the Greek isles. It has to be one of the most beautiful trips I’ve ever taken. The scenery, the people — all of it together made for a very special and cherished experience. My worst memory was the ending of that (trip).

© 2014 JAE-HA KIM
DISTRIBUTED BY TRIBUNE CONTENT AGENCY, LLC.