Johannesburg - Actor Pakamisa Zwedala was most recently seen at Joburg’s Market Theatre. Here, he chats to Diane de Beer about his worst and best travel memories.
First holiday memory?
It was with my family in East London. We stayed at what I think was/is the Mimosa Hotel, right on the beach. I even believe there’s a video of that holiday.
Favourite place in South Africa?
Being at home with my family – but other than that I’d say Durban – the weather, the warm beaches and the warmest people.
Best holiday?
It was recent: I went to Bali in Indonesia. The culture and food and the easiness of life really charmed me.
What have you learnt from your travels?
The most valuable things I’ve learnt from my travels are understanding and tolerance of people, and patience.
Ideal travel companion?
My best travel companion is my partner. I love sharing moments and discoveries with her.
Beach bum, culture vulture or adrenalin junkie?
Beach bum and adrenalin junkie are definitely who I am during holidays. At the beach I love doing water sports, so think jet skiing, paragliding, diving, etc. My last proper holiday was in Bali: Week one was beach/water sports, the second was all about cultural tours and learning about the place and the third was relaxing by the water and constantly creeping away to do more water sports while my girlfriend slept either in the room or passed out at the pool side.
Greatest travel luxury?
There’s nothing better and more pleasing than getting on to a business class flight and opening the door to a lovely suite in a smart hotel.
Holiday reading?
The things I enjoy reading when on holiday are, and always have been, revitalising books.
Which place has seduced you?
Hong Kong has definitely seduced me with its beauty, culture, modernity and pace.
Worst travel experience
That has to be an impromptu weekend travel to the Philippines. I never told my bank I was going so upon arriving my bank cards didn’t work… for a good couple of hours. The hours felt like forever and just seemed to go on and on and on.
Best hotel?
The best hotel was the Ritz Carlton in Hong Kong. It’s the tallest building there and the customer service was impeccable.
Favourite walk, swim, ride or drive?
There’s a very calming and serene feel about the walk to (the statue of) Buddha and, upon arriving, there are the longest stairs leading to Buddha (this is in Hong Kong).
Best meal abroad?
For me it was the first time I ate authentic Chinese in 2010.
I had arrived in Hong Kong to visit my sister and mother and they took me out to a Michelin-star Chinese restaurant at the Island Shangri-la Hotel and it was just different from the Chinese food I had tasted my whole life.
It felt more authentic for some reason and that’s where I fell in love with Asian food.
Favourite city?
Best city in the world for me is and always will be Hong Kong. What attracts me to Hong Kong and why it’s the best city I’ve been to is that Hong Kong has the best of both worlds – “the past yet the future”. It’s so modern yet the rich culture and history are so dominant that you can’t help but love it.
Where next?
Not sure but I’m hoping it will be discovering our continent. It’s the only one I haven’t really been given a chance to explore. So, where to next… I’ll start with Mozambique as I am familiar with the language (having lived in Portugal for three years) and then make my way up.
However, should a call come for me to head back to Asia… don’t judge me!
l Pakamisa Zwedala was most recently seen at Joburg’s Market Theatre.
Saturday Star