HOME IS WHERE THE HEART IS ...
... except when it’s in Madrid or on a first-time trip to London
Describe the first holiday you remember as a child?
My family wasn’t big on holidays when I was growing up, but I do remember joining my friend for a trip on the Garden Route. His dad packed the car and we just drove for hours, stopping off at all sorts of little nooks on the way.
Describe your first trip abroad?
It was in 2013 when I was a part of the Cape Town Funny Festival in London. I couldn’t believe that I was going overseas to work.
Despite the long and sleepless flight, when we touched down in London Town, I jumped onto the foreign soil like some kid taking his first trip to a theme park.
Between our shows, I clocked an average of 30,000 steps a day just exploring and walking everywhere. I walked past the famous Wimbledon, stopped off for a first-time Starbucks, I saw the London Eye and snacked at a market near the River Thames, where I saw the hugest bubbles I have ever seen blown by some busking showman. I also visited the Tate Modern, where I saw the Salvador Dali exhibit.
It was an unforgettable adventure, which added a taste for travel to my life.
What is the most difficult, remote or adventurous destination you’ve ever been to?
When I was in Madrid, despite the fact that I am a massive Real Madrid supporter, I took a flight to Barcelona, home of my team’s arch rival . It was literally a one-day, one-night stay. I went down the city’s most famous boulevard, La Rambla, and was positively in awe of the cultural diversity and the place’s resemblance to Cape Town.
I went on a quick tour of Camp Nou, Barcelona FC’s stadium, and left the next morning. I really would love to go back there to see more, even though my heart lies in Madrid.
What is the best way to travel once you are abroad?
Everyone needs to experience the efficiency of public transport abroad. When I was in Madrid for my first time, there was a train delayed by four minutes and people were actually upset. Immediately one reflects on Metrorail’s delays back home — and can’t help but laugh.
What is your favourite city here or abroad?
Cape Town, despite all the train delays and crime. It holds a special place in my travelling heart. I’ve been here my entire life and yet there are still so many places I have yet to visit and so many new places that ping on my radar every day.
Do you prefer roughing it or luxury when travelling? Describe the best experience you’ve had of whatever you choose.
I am not fussy about accommodation because when I travel I want to be out all the time to soak in every last bit of the place I can.
The best experience I’ve had though is when I went to London and was put up in a vintage hotel, which dated back to the late 1800s but had all the infrastructure to make it feel super-modern.
I loved the fact that I could experience the best of both worlds, which included oldschool décor with super-fast wifi.
What has been your worst travel experience?
I haven’t had a bad experience yet but I can say that I believe being creative, patient and resourceful has given me great experiences. You can’t just crumble when the bags are missing or stress when the hotel room is not ready. These experiences are a part of a story that you’re going to share over and over someday, so make the most of the negative so that it doesn’t spoil your whole trip.
What is your best piece of travel advice?
Travel with an open mind and actively get out of your comfort zone. There are things that we are used to and we always gravitate towards them, but I say don’t. You discover so much about yourself when you travel and that can only happen once you let go a bit and soak in the unknown.
What elements – destination, people, attractions, etc – make up your perfect holiday?
The perfect holiday includes a great, inquisitive travel partner and a place that boasts a lot of cultural history, as well as a lot of ‘unGoogleable’ places to see.
Name one place you really want to go, now or at least some day?
Machu Picchu in Peru.