Cape Town - Actress Lee-Ann van Rooi is best known for her roles in comedies Fishy Feshuns and Bidsprinkaan. She is now in the play Rondomskrik which is touring the country.
How widely have you travelled?
I have travelled most of the country except Limpopo. I have always been a good traveller. I am fuelled and excited by other peoples and cultures. I am visually stimulated, so a change of scenery now and again tops up my spirit and is a reminder of all I have yet to do. I have been to the United Kingdom, Netherlands, France, Belgium, Turkey, Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Nigeria, Thailand, Singapore and Malaysia.
Where was your favourite holiday abroad?
Easy, Thailand, the land of the smiles… I have been there and back four times and have made lifetime friends. The combination of the tropical weather, exotic food, and cheerful faces makes it an exciting destination.
Your worst experience on a holiday?
In Paris where some guy in a restaurant spun us some sob story because he wanted money. When we refused to give him money and asked him to leave our table he actually pulled up a chair and made himself comfortable. He suddenly took umbrage and started yelling and screaming, threatening to kill us. I yelled and screamed back, even louder than he did and he backed off. It spoilt the day and the Arc de Triomphe lost its magic for us.
Your funniest experience?
Picture this: it’s 9.30am, we’re at the Heineken Brewery Tour in Amsterdam. We didn’t have breakfast because it was such an early start. We really didn’t mean to get quite so tipsy and couldn’t find our way back to our lodge. Needless to say some kind soul eventually took pity on us and led us to an area which we eventually recognised. A hangover at noon was not a pleasant experience for some of us and especially not in a foreign country.
What do you avoid during a holiday?
I avoid long queues and getting sick – rather take your vitamins and any necessary vaccinations. I also avoid throngs of tourists. I prefer going off the beaten track.
Best meal abroad?
A home-cooked meal at the Espace Gérard Philipe Theatre,St Andrè, which is about two hours outside Paris. It was marinaded chicken (I don’t even like chicken!) which was so soft that it fell off the bone.
This was accompanied by string beans and cheese and Champagne. A close second though was in Thailand where I had Pad si eiuw, (stir fried, broad flat rice noodle, with egg and a spinach-like leaf.) Yummy.
Your favourite place to have sundowners on your travels?
Anywhere near water or a fire.
What have you learnt from your travels?
Patience and perspective and that there are angels everywhere. I feel so proudly South African abroad.
You suddenly realise how small your problems are compared to other countries and that some people have no idea where Cape Town is. I find myself describing the Mother City as “a tiny, seasonal, touristy, fishing village near the southern tip of Africa”.
Ideal travelling companion?
Someone who is responsive and spontaneous and who has no problem sleeping anywhere, be able to read maps and take turns leading for the day.
Also someone who can spot a good deal and who can “read” when to speak and when to remain silent.
Culture vulture or adrenalin junkie?
Both. First the adrenalin junkie to get rid of the excess energy of that suspended-in-time feeling and then focus on the culture. There are times when the exercise includes both.
Greatest travel luxury?
Clean water, comfy, funky, cool walking shoes and dental floss.
Holiday reading?
A trashy gossip magazine for in-flight which can be discarded after reading. Information about the destination is also a must-have, and a notebook. Time is precious so I prefer being in the moment, taking in my surroundings and having a conversation with the locals around me. The notebook is for ideas, inspiration and drawing.
Favourite drive?
Cape Town to Namibia – I did the drive often as a child and the memories are ingrained. Recently on a tour of the production of Rondomskrik I experienced Nam-ibia again.
It is really a fascinating place. I had forgotten how much raw beauty exists there.
I love the space and time interconnection, the dry heat, the deafening stillness and the wild scent of possibilities.
Dream trip?
South America. The Amazon Delta has always been on my list of places to visit.
It was only about two years ago that I felt the need to visit our own continent, Africa.
As a seasoned traveller and flyer can you share some tips?
Don’t forget to roam on/off or find that button on your cellphone and pack your charger.
Pack light, you will add to your wardrobe and wear what you feel comfy in. Plan your trip but only book the first leg and the last leg, keep a few days in the middle for “whatever” or “that’s a good idea” days. And don’t resist the flow. Go with it.
Weekend Argus