Sydney is spectacular, but Margate is best for a dip
Edinburgh-born Annie Gill is a classical singer who has worked with some of the world’s greatest opera houses.
She is touring with Our Finest Hour, which is at Usher Hall on April 18 and Glasgow Royal Concert Hall on April 20. Hosted by Kevin Whately, it brings together Churchill’s famous speeches and the best songs of the Second World War.
Annie lives in London with singer husband Nick and kids Catherine and Michael.
I’VE been lucky enough to have performed in some of the world’s most famous opera houses – but Sydney Opera House is something else.
It is simply incredible as you have a feeling of being a part of this global icon.
When we were working out there recently we got to stay on in Australia for a holiday for a couple of weeks.
It’s not somewhere I’d probably have made under my own steam and it was lovely because we had the kids with us.
We did trips round the Bay, looking at it and the famous Sydney Harbour Bridge.
It’s one of those vistas you never get tired of.
The first day we took a quick snap, then the next day we took another because we still couldn’t believe we were there really.
When we came back we found we’d taken the same picture pretty much 10 days running!
We also visited Melbourne, where some family had moved.
It was a bit of a contrast to Sydney, not so glamorous but with a great music scene.
The other place we had a holiday after working was Italy.
It was one of our first holidays abroad together. We took the train up to Lake Como, which I’d never been to before, and just loved it.
The food, as you’d imagine, was sensational. We played cards, walked around and ate pizzas.
Having kids means that day trips are now a big part of life.
Living in London we’re only about 90 minutes from Margate and it’s one of those great old seaside resorts.
I’m really into my outdoor swimming and will do that at every opportunity.
When I was a child we’d go up to the shores of Loch Etive a lot and I still look back fondly on those times.
We get back to Scotland as often as we can and we’re planning on taking the children to some of my childhood haunts.