Go Away With ... Rufus Wainwright

Critically-acclaimed singer and composer Rufus Wainwright, 45, has never been one to shy away from controversial topics, whether it was advocating for LGBTQ rights or speaking up about politics. A portion of the proceeds from his latest single, “Sword of Damocles,” benefits programs to encourage voter registration. Based out of Los Angeles, the musician spoke to us about some of his most memorable travels. Fans may follow Wainwright on Facebook (www.facebook.com/rufuswainwrightofficial), Twitter (www.twitter.com/rufuswainwright) and Instagram (www.instagram.com/rufuswainwright/). Currently on tour, his performance dates are updated on his website (https://rufuswainwright.com/tour/).

Q. You’ve toured worldwide, but have said that Cuba was a highlight. Can you tell us a bit about that?

A. My husband and I have been to Cuba a few times. We have friends down there now and we fell in love with the place immediately and have made it a repeat stop.

Q. Had you performed in Cuba previously?

A. I did a little show there just for fun -- it was almost like a private thing, just for friends of friends. And then this offer came around (last year) and it just made sense for me to keep broadening and deepening my relationship with that wonderful city, Havana.

Q. What was the main draw of traveling to Havana?

A. One of the main perks for me was that the Cuban people will still be able to see the shows and still be a part of the experience. We (had) a nice sort of mix of us bringing people down from the United States and all over the world and going there for the experience with me, but then there was also room for people in Havana to come to the concerts who might not have had the chance otherwise. So that’s a nice way to kind of bridge the gap there.

Q. What was the first trip you took as a child? And did you love it ... or not so much?

A. Costa Rica as a 12 year old, with my mother, her boyfriend and my sister. I remember that we got really burnt. We were peeling and covered with blisters.

Q. That was back in the day!

A. It was when getting burnt by the sun was fashionable. And although we were almost killed by the sun, we still had a really good time.

Q. What are your favorite hotels?

A. The Chateau Marmont (https://www.chateaumarmont.com/) in Los Angeles and Claridges Hotel (https://www.claridges.co.uk/) in London.

Q. Those are both high-end hotels.

A. What makes a good hotel for me is the details (like) the fixtures and fittings. I always look at the tiny details.

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

A. My Gucci bag that I got years ago. It has the Gucci red and green stripes and is black and very soft. I always take my hot pink Beats headphones and sound system, a phone charger, lots of socks, because I have stinky feet and need to change my socks twice a day; sleeping (masks) to block out the light -- the airlines give them away and I use those -- and pen and paper, because I like to write my material that way.

Q. What are your favorite restaurants?

A. My favorite restaurant is called Ristorante da Ivo (https://www.ristorantedaivo.it/) in Venice. They do amazing food. They serve local squid from the Venetian lagoon. Just thinking about the food makes me want to go back!

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

A. A kimono. There’s something about having Japanese drapery to put on. Not only am I comfortable, but I can feel like some great thespian or composer.

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

A. I sometimes listen to music and watch films about the place I’m going. It builds up the excitement for me.

Q. How so?

A. You get to hear someone else’s view of the city or you get to see iconic footage that is unable to capture the beauty of the city once you step foot in it.

(Jae-Ha Kim is a New York Times bestselling author and travel writer. You can respond to this column by visiting her website at www.jaehakim.com. You may also follow “Go Away With...” on Twitter at @GoAwayWithJae where Jae-Ha Kim welcomes your questions and comments.)

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