Johannesburg - Actress, writer and director Lizz Meiring was raised on travelling. The love of travel has continued throughout her life and she is an unashamed culture vulture.
First holiday memory?
Sand in every part of my body. Sand in my mouth. Damp swimsuit, the salty taste and smell of sea water. Getting sunburnt. Being bitten and stung by strange beach creatures. Nothing unique.
But then, at the age of 8, I saw the Pietà in the St Peter’s Basilica in the vatican City Long before it was attacked by a madman, and consequently protected by a glass partition. It was noon on a gentle summer day when I stood in front of the Pietà. The soft light coming from the windows above fell into the folds of the garments of two figures – Mary and Jesus. I stood transfixed – that was the seminal moment when I understood the magnificence of creative talent.
Later that day, I saw the slave statues done by Leonardo da Vinci. Strong human figures struggling to emerge from the rough stone. It blew me away. I am continuously inspired and driven by creative talent and the genius that a very few are blessed with. I am so grateful I was exposed to this and so much more at such a young age. It changed my life.
Favourite place in South Africa?
I adore Jozi where I live. It’s a vibrant, tree-lined, gorgeous, exciting city. In terms of a place to visit – the Kwazulu-Natal Midlands. It’s so magical, mysterious and simply breathtaking. Knysna is astoundingly beautiful as well.
Best holiday?
Any holiday steeped in history, culture, architecture, archaeology, theatre, art, ancient history. Oh! I really need a clean, comfortable place to stay. Camping, roughing it, is certainly not for me.
What have you learnt from your travels?
There’s a big wide world out there, where people do think and believe differently. There are and were creative souls all over the world who are so inspiring. Just open your eyes, ears, heart and mind – the world beyond your own is the best teacher of life you could wish for.
Ideal travelling companion?
Another culture vulture, with a penchant for the odd day of shopping. No need to buy a lot, just looking and admiring. Not an obsessed foodie (what is this obsession with food?), or a big boozer (ditto), or one of those crazy extreme adventure types (I really have nothing to prove). Or an outdoorsy, roughing-it type. And no beach bums.
Beach bum, culture vulture or adrenalin junkie?
Culture vulture.
Greatest travel luxury?
Shoes. A pair for every purpose and occasion. I will become a grumpy, depressed, torrid tourist if I have to make do with a pair of ugly, practical sneakers for the entire trip.
Holiday reading?
Biographies, autobiographies, history. Mostly non-fiction. If it’s a book about the place or country I’m visiting, even better.
Which place has seduced you?
Europe. My ancestry is European, though I proudly regard myself as a South African. I love the rich culture of Europe. Would I want to work there more often? Yes. Would I want to live there permanently? No, I would miss my beloved, beautiful, brittle Africa.
Worst travel experience?
I hated Zanzibar. Not the people, they are kind, friendly, sweet and it’s beautiful. So what bothered me? We stayed in a really rundown place. Water was an issue, sanitation was dodgy, food was old and terrible. The hot, humid climate does not suit me and holidaying on a beach bores me to tears. But the spice market and historical places saved the holiday.
I suppose I was also so saddened by the harrowing history of the slave trade there. That, and the poverty affected me deeply. I should have known, I’m simply not the island holiday type.
Best hotel?
A tiny pension in Florence. Not a fancy place by any means. But it had a secret advantage.
Breakfast was served on a balcony, overlooking the whole of Florence – those golden domes, the Arno River, the incredible vista was so inspiring and truly timeless.
Favourite walk, swim, ride or drive?
I walk wherever I can when abroad. Museums, art galleries, archaeological sites, piazzas, shops attract me far more than a walk in the countryside.
Best meal abroad?
The lovely, healthy, crunchy meals in Bali. They are so tasty, full of delicate flavours, fresh and beautifully-styled without it looking pretentious. And the meals in Greece were delicious.
Favourite city?
Venice. I first experienced this marvellous place, so steeped in history, as an 8-year-old. Curiously, even at that age, I felt completely at home there. It was constant déjà vu.
Later, as a student, when I visited Venice again, the same feeling was there. Could it be genetic memory? I have Italian ancestry.
Where next?
Back to Italy, Venice – the city of my soul. The whole of Italy has always felt like home.
I would love to see Pompeii.
Perhaps Spain could be included in the trip.
I was fascinated by Barcelona. And Buenos Aires. Fabulous city. And the south of France.
Back to Greece. I want to experience Malta. Oh dear, it will have be a long trip.
That’s when and if the beleaguered rand will allow me to afford it again.
Saturday Star