Johannesburg - The inimitable Jamie Bartlett is a tour de force as Rhythm City’s resident villain, David Genaro. Here he chats to Debashine Thangevelo about his most memorable holiday experiences.
First holiday memory?
Camping in the mountains in the Drakensberg with mum, dad and the family. I must have been about four or five years old. Remember dad showering outside (in the wilderness) and mum, with all the children lined up, wanting to know if “you did a poo”. You know, all the questions that mothers ask the children.
Favourite place in South Africa?
I suppose it would be in some of the areas of the Karoo – Prince Albert and Calitzdorp. Just taking in those gaping landscapes, those hot winds that blow in the afternoon, that desert that reveals so much life under every stone, the different types of plants. They resonate deep inside me. Beautiful!
Best holiday?
It would be going to Ethiopia, on my own, six years ago. I have been back many times. The women are so beautiful – their charcoal eyes… I love the food, it agreed with me. It was so different and unbelievable. From the colours of the place, the city, the smells, I was struck by all of this.
What have you learnt from your travels?
You need to have respect for different cultures. Initially, just sit back, take it easy and absorb, before you start making any proposals. Check the temperature out. And always take charcoal because your tummy may run. Also, always have a few dollars spare, even if you say you have spent everything, in case you run into trouble. And make sure you have a bit of insurance.
Ideal travelling companion?
My son, Hector. He has been a really good travelling companion. Also, to look not only through my world and prism, but to see how he, at those different ages, is looking and the lens he is looking through. Like seeing a snake charmer for the first time in India, climbing on top of a double-humped camel, seeing people in the Himalayas or on the waterways.
Beach bum, culture vulture or adrenalin junkie?
I’m definitely not a beach bum. I will do the culture vulture thing, but not something that’s too museum-centric. For example, I’m interested in Delhi and Mumbai. Like where do they do all the laundry. Or how the lunchbox system works, where ladies make lunchboxes for their husbands and it ends up in that exact office block or building site. I’m more interested in things like that.
Greatest travel luxury?
Access to the business class lounge at any airport.
Holiday reading?
I often read something in great opposition to where I am. On a trip to Uganda, I took a book on the science of food, about the breaking down of food and how it serves our digestive system. That was a great read while I was there.
Which place has seduced you?
That would be Khartoum, Sudan. I loved the volcanic mountain range, the people, the solitude. It appealed to the person in me who needs to be alone.
Worst travel experience?
When you are ill, if your environment is not supportive, this can be terrible. I experienced that jumping off trains in Attenborough, UK, in Sudan and in Mozambique. It is battling with the elements, and your surroundings appear pretty grim.
Best hotel?
The Raj in Mumbai. It felt sexy.
Favourite walk, swim, ride or drive?
Favourite walk, in the Transkei. Walking along the coast. Looking down at the coastline. It makes me feel peaceful. Favourite drive was going from Wadi Halfa to Khartoum by train. It’s unbelievable.
Best meal abroad?
Probably something simple in a French village somewhere, I’m sure.
Favourite city?
I did love Kampala, Uganda. It had a huge resonance. My favourite, though, would be Cairo. Loved the food, the buildings, the people. Playing backgammon and drinking sweet tea. I loved seeing people carrying bread on bicycles.
Where to next?
I would like to go to the Zambezi River, to one of these remote locations that are accessible only by incredibly small planes that land on these dangerous strips. I want to enjoy the solitude. It is far away from any existence.
That’s where I want to go this month or next.
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