Johannesburg - Born in Kimberley and raised in Joburg, Bianca Le Grange recently relocated to Cape Town where she is starring in David Kramer’s latest musical, District Six – Kanala, at The Fugard Theatre until May.
First holiday memory?
Going to Sun City with my best friend Kim August.
Favourite place in South Africa?
Cape Town. I love exploring new places, and the city is filled with awesome restaurants, wonderful sightseeing, exciting nightlife. Cape Town is also home to some of my favourite theatres, the Fugard, Theatre on the Bay and Baxter.
Best holiday?
Jamaica is my favourite. I got to swim with the dolphins and visit Bob Marley’s tomb. I partied all night and slept on the beach all day. I also went to a nudist beach.
What have you learnt from your travels?
We live in the best country, have everything. I couldn’t believe how people live in Europe – small little spaces. Learning about other cultures, religions, languages and my favourite – tasting their foods. I appreciate our country a little more every time I travel. It forces you out of your comfort zone.
Ideal travelling companion?
My husband David is easygoing. He knows how to make friends, can hustle, explore and find new adventures.
Beach bum, culture vulture or adrenalin junkie?
I’m all three. On our recent trip, our honeymoon, we spent time relaxing on the beach in Nature’s Valley, went tubing down the Storms River Mouth in the world famous Tsitsikamma Coastal National Park.
Greatest travel luxury?
Flying first-class, especially on those long hauls.
Holiday reading?
I enjoy fiction. The most recent I read was Blue by Danielle Steel.
Which place has seduced you?
Rio in Brazil – the people are beautiful and vibrant. I loved the beaches and the coconut cock-tails. You can find the most unusual bikinis there. I wore a G-string bikini in public on the beach and it was normal.
Worst travel experience?
I haven’t had a worst travel experience. The only horrible experience was waiting for three hours to get a taxi in Lagos, Nigeria.
Best hotel?
I loved staying at the W Hotel on 42 Street in New York. I would come out of the hotel and see those yellow cabs like in the movies and walk around the corner on to Time Square. Being a theatre queen you can imagine how excited I was to be in the headquarters of the theatre world. A dream come true. The hotel lobby was stunning. I got assisted by a doorman who is super friendly and the reception area had a bar that made the best cocktails! My girlfriends and I would dress up looking like royalty.
Favourite – walk, swim, ride or drive?
I’m not a big fan of driving. I enjoy flying. I love walking and swimming too. My best swim would be the Red Sea in Egypt.
Best meal overseas?
Thai Airways make the best food! A Thai chicken green curry on long flight to Thailand was most welcoming. They served it with a orchid, which is my favourite flower.
Favourite city?
Amsterdam is my favourite city. I got to open for Jagged Edge in 2008 and I got to stay at the Grand Hotel Krasnapolsky. This 5-star hotel is in the heart of Amsterdam, set on the edge of the famous Dam Square and opposite the Royal Palace.
Where next?
Hopefully, I get to visit my Aunty Eunice in Vienna soon. She came to South Africa for my wedding in December and invited me and my new husband. I have visited before with my mother in 2008, but I would like to go again to show David the town that Mozart grew up in.
Saturday Star