Cape Town - Jamie Bartlett is a film, television and stage actor and has worked with Hollywood stars such as Tom Hooper, Hilary Swank, Angelina Jolie and Idris Elba. He was recently in Justin Chadwick’s acclaimed movie Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom and Nothing for Mahala. Bartlett currently stars in Death of a Colonialist on at the Baxter Theatre Centre until March 1.
Have you travelled?
In the past five years I have been most fortunate to have travelled our African continent. I have been to Ethiopia, Tanzania, Namibia, Uganda and Mozambique. I spent Christmas in Accra (Ghana) with my 16-year-old son Hector. He is considering studying in Uganda.
I have also travelled around South Africa extensively. I am inquisitive by nature so therefore interested in our histories. I have family in Geneva, Switzerland, so I have spent some time there.
Where was your favourite holiday or time spent abroad?
I love Ethiopia. The landscape, the tea, injera (like roti), the people and their history all appeal to me tremendously. The country has never been colonised by any European country so the buildings have not been seared by all that. The Ethiopians are truly a mighty people. This, for me, is a must go-to destination. I also think that Ethiopian Airlines is the best airline in Africa.
Your worst experience on a holiday?
I’ve had so many. Unfortunately most of them have been in our own country. Pompous people can turn my holiday into a nightmare – people who are “deaf” and “blind” so to speak. I’m not into fancy hotels, I prefer real experiences. I would far rather share a barn with a yak in Kashmir than stay in a sanitised, overly-priced five-star hotel.
Your funniest experience?
When I was in the town of Chirundu on the Zambezi River. There I am, buying tomatoes, onions at one of the markets in the open veld when a bunch of women, in fact they were vendors, all rushed towards me because they recognised me from television. We suddenly noticed some baboons that rushed over and stole their products. It was their daily bread but we had a good laugh.
What do you avoid?
In my line of work we are constantly under public scrutiny so when I get away I look forward to taking off my shirt and walking around topless. I like to just simply relax and let it all hang out – yes, I don’t have to wear undies. I like nature and being natural.
Best meal abroad?
My favourite restaurant is right here in the Mother City – or just outside, to be accurate. It is Babylonstoren in Franschhoek. The staff are wonderfully efficient and nice, I love the menu and the garden with its fresh produce grown on site. That’s really my thing.
Your favourite place to have sundowners on your travels?
It has got to be Bazaruto in Mozambique – the views and the colour of the water, the abundance of life in the water, the remoteness of its location, it’s all quite exquisitely beautiful.
What have you learnt from your travels?
I have learnt that one should respect things that are different or things which are unusual for me but clearly not for anybody else.
Ideal travelling companion?
Undoubtedly my son, Hector. We like the same things– people, life, new things and experiences.
Culture vulture or adrenalin junkie?
I am lucky, I love both.
Greatest travel luxury?
My electric toothbrush. Clearly I like the simple things in life.
Holiday reading?
I read rubbish literature like thrillers and action novels. I am a British Financial Times addict – best coverage of the arts.
Favourite drive?
From Leh in Ladak (India) to the Himalayas.
Can you share some tips?
Always travel with charcoal tablets – it cleans and energises the body inside. Also, fly to your destination direct. I hate the hubs and stop-overs when I could be doing more exciting things.
Where next?
St Helena by mail boat – hopefully in August. - Weekend Argus