Johannesburg - Acclaimed actor and comedian Alan Committie chats to Diane de Beer about travelling the globe.
First holiday memory?
I was born in Cape Town but at an early age we relocated to Vanderbijlpark (I hear you all screaming – “brilliant move, Alan!”). My first memory of a holiday was going to Margate for a resort holiday in a Holiday Inn. Rickshaws, pool, sun but mostly just… NOT Vanderbijlpark!
Favourite place in South Africa?
Hard to beat Cape Town and surrounds. So many exquisitely beautiful sights within short travelling distances. From beautiful forests to glorious beaches via magnificent winelands and just 120km out of town you can be in awesome reserves.
Best holiday?
A magnificent three-week break on the islands of Bora Bora. This French Polynesian paradise in the middle of the Pacific Ocean is breathtakingly beautiful. Crystal-clear waters, amazing food, perfect weather (if timed) and Jet Skis! Who can ever be unhappy on a Jet Ski?
What have you learnt from your travels?
Make sure you have all the visa information 100 percent correct. The first time I attempted Bora Bora I was stopped at the airport because I was incorrectly told I did not need a visa for that island as a South African citizen. Turns out that was wrong. I had to postpone that holiday.
Ideal travelling companion?
Someone who loves to explore and have an adventure but equally does not mind the occasional “wasted” day just lying in the sun, relaxing!
Beach bum, culture vulture or adrenalin junkie?
All of them, depending on the mood, the length of holiday and what happened before the holiday.
Greatest travel luxury?
Wi-fi. I do find it hard to be completely disconnected from the world. And if so, I want to choose to be disconnected rather than it be forced on me. Control freak, much?
Where has seduced you?
New York City. There is no greater attack on the senses than this glorious metropolis. It sucks you in, throws you around, manipulates and teases you and then spits you out. What more can you want from a mad relationship?
Worst travel experience?
Travelling across Joburg in load shedding. Gridlock traffic, high aggression levels, potholes, pollution, dangerous surrounds… that’s just leaving your driveway. It gets much worse on the roads.
Best hotel?
I do love me the 12 Apostles in Cape Town. Magnificent setting, superb facilities and great staff.
Favourite walk, swim, ride or drive?
The coast drive from Hout Bay to Camps Bay in Cape Town. It has to be the single best route to work ever! Fifteen minutes of unbelievable ocean views, which certainly puts you in the right frame of mind to entertain audiences…
Best meal abroad?
I do love me ribs. America, strangely enough, consistently produces the best rib dishes I have ever had! In particular, a couple of restaurants in Los Angeles.
Favourite city?
New York, then London for theatre, friends and culture.
Where next?
I do feel a bit of Italy coming on. I’ve never been and for someone who keeps quoting Latin so badly in his stand-up routines you would think Rome would have been crossed off the travel list. From the Latin… crosseo, crossere, crossui…
l Acclaimed actor and comedian Alan Committie is starring in Little Shop of Horrors at Pieter Toerien’s Montecasino Theatre.
Saturday Star