April 19, 2017 | Theatre,

Talking International Travel with Leesha

International travel can be an amazing, mind-expanding experience. Exposure to different countries and cultures allows us to broaden our horizons and also learn about ourselves. As we approached the opening of 17 Border Crossings–APR 19 – 29 in Boston–we decided to interview Leesha Dialani, the ArtsEmerson Graduate Marketing Assistant, to ask about her experiences traveling around the globe. Leesha is an international Graduate student at Emerson, from Mumbai, India and has traveled to 15 countries! Check out her interview below:

How many countries have you been to?

I’ve been to 15!

• Canada
• USA
• Egypt
• Spain
• Malaysia
• Singapore
• Hong Kong
• China
• Thailand
• Bangladesh
• Sri Lanka
• Phillipines
• Indonesia
• India
• Italy

What are some of your fondest memories of traveling? 

Staring out at the water. There’s a difference in the way water exists across the world. No beach is the same and every river bank is different. That’s what I recall every time I think of a city I’ve been to.

Favorite place you’ve ever been to? 

Bali, Indonesia

How long have you lived in the United States?

1 year, 8 months

What brought you here?

Graduate School. And the possibility of transitioning into working here and becoming a citizen.

Favorite thing about living in Boston?

The ease of travel. I can walk from one end to the other of this city. But even after living here for over a year there’s always something new to see.

Where is a place you haven’t visited but would love to?

Australia

Do you explore or act like a tourist?

A bit of both. I off shoot from the group and get out to explore by myself but also come back to being with everyone and doing all the touristy things.

What are your traveling essentials? 

A camera, a hoodie/jacket because you never know when you might need it, sunglasses (same), two pairs of earphones, outlet converters and the electronics.

Physical Map or Mobile Map? 

Google Maps

What led you to travel so much?

My dad who retired the day I was born spent his free time making sure I was well travelled and aware of the world as a whole. He led me to believe that I’m never restricted to the one location I am currently in and there is always a possibility for more. Those years of stepping out of my home for a few months expanded my knowledge of the world and made me want to go out and travel often.

Do you have a crazy traveling story?

I was lost in the night market in Thailand.

I travelled back from Singapore with 2 check-in bags full only with chocolates/candy. We had a total of 10 bags traveling across 4-5 countries between the 4 of us.

What are some travel tips?

Charge all your electronics, even the tiny old iPod, you never know when you might need it and outlets are harder to find than you might think.

Don’t be afraid to talk to people, there are so many interesting people that may cross your path.

 

---

APR 19 – 29, 2017 – Learn More

Location: Emerson/Paramount Center
Jackie Liebergott Black Box Theatre

Run time: 90 minutes

Ages: 13+