I bet the night away – with pistachio nuts
HOLIDAYS OF A LIFETIME KATHERINE JENKINS
CONTINUING our series featuring the holiday memories of famous people, this week opera singer KATHERINE JENKINS, 37, recalls her life of adventures…
First holiday I can remember: In a caravan in the South of France, on a campsite with my dad cooking on a barbecue, sitting outside playing cards using pistachio nuts instead of gambling chips.
My first trip abroad: I’ve only got a vague snapshot memory of going to Spain as I could only have been about four or five years old.
My first school trip: Was to Penscynor Wildlife Park in South Wales. It’s since closed but it used to be our local bird and animal sanctuary.
My honeymoon: Andrew and I went to the Maldives and had a bungalow on stilts over the water. There were no cars so you cycled around the island and it was absolutely romantic and the perfect break. I hope to return some day.
Best holiday: I went to Port Elizabeth in South Africa when I was pregnant with my daughter and we had a chance to dart a rhino. My husband and I are involved with conservation, in particular trying to halt the illegal horn and ivory trade. Sitting with a rhino who’d been tranquillised and feeling her heartbeat when I was expecting a child was one of the most incredible things I’ve ever experienced.
Worst trip: Usually I do a lot of research to make sure I know all the pros and cons of where I’m going, but I went to Gran Canaria at short notice and thought I was getting a beach holiday. While the hotel was technically close to a beach – it was via a massive cliff face. To get there you had to go down
thousands of steps. My essential item: Sarah Chapman Skin Insurance sun block. I love lying out in the sun but you have to make sure you’re looking after yourself and this sunblock is lovely.
Dream destination: I haven’t been to Bora Bora or Fiji or that part of the world yet. Continuing the beautiful paradise beach theme, I think it would be lovely and a real getaway.