Cape Town - Musical entertainer and award-winning stage performer and producer Alistair Izobell, is back for another season of his one-man show Kaapse Stoep Stories at the Baxter’s Golden Arrow Studio from June 17 to July 5.
How widely have you travelled?
I have really been blessed with the amazing opportunity to travel through my work over the past 30 years, both locally and abroad. Touring with The Rockets, PJ Powers and a few other artists as a youngster, there are not many places in South Africa that I have not been to.
Those years we took music to the people who lived outside of the big cities and entertained them. From Pofadder to Port Elizabeth, from Oranjemund to Plettenberg Bay, from Swaziland to Maputo. New York to Edinburgh, Japan to Sydney.
It has been an incredible gift, to be afforded the opportunity to experience all these wonderful places.
Where was your favourite holiday or time spent abroad?
Most of my travels have been through work. This said though, I never took for granted the wonderful opportunity to experience every city or country I was in. I have a very special place in my heart for Italy, and particularly, the “Isle of Capri”.
Your worst experience on a holiday?
On more than one occasion my luggage arrived a week later. It either never left where I flew from or it just happened to be rerouted to another destination.
Your funniest experience?
Many years ago after checking in and going outside of the terminal to take the bus to the aircraft, I got on to the wrong bus. I only realised once I was on the plane that it was not the aircraft I was supposed to be on. I was quickly ushered to the correct plane, and I managed to get to my destination.
What do you avoid during a holiday?
I avoid crowds and loud music or places where people might know me. I love discovering places on my own and being by myself. I avoid the above even more when I am spending time with my family.
Best meal abroad?
Any dish that is local and fresh from the region or city I am in. I find nothing better than experiencing what the local folk eat. Thailand and Maputo, though, have the best crab (both curried and garlic) I have had. New York, New York has offered my wife and me the most (quantity) and fabulous creamy mussels.
Your favourite place to have sundowners on your travels?
I am not a lover of wine and don’t particularly rush out to do sundowners. What I do enjoy though is finding the most obscure place in a town that is owned by and preferably frequented by the locals for a draught beer, and often where there is a great view.
What have you learnt from your travels?
When I think that I am all important and act like the only one on the planet, I remember how many amazing things and people there are out there that I have encountered and the millions I have not. I am a part of this wonderful universe that I co-exist in and I have to appreciate that.
Ideal travelling companion?
Someone who does not speak on a plane all the time. I do not travel with anyone who has a schedule for every hour of the day and definitely not someone who has a tendency for bad moods and who wants everyone to do what they want.
Culture vulture or adrenalin junkie?
I am absolutely a culture vulture. Give me museums, cathedrals, mosques, shops or long walks to get lost on. I will walk around a city or town for hours and not take a cab, and venture into any place that looks remotely older than 20 years.
Greatest travel luxury?
Comfortable shoes, my camera and a guide to local musts.
Holiday reading?
Every single trip, I go through the security checkpoint and then off to a bookshop to buy whatever catches my eye. It can be Danielle Steele (yes I have read every one of them – don’t judge me) or Jilly Cooper and a few magazines. I love reading on my travels.
Favourite drive?
In South Africa, the Garden Route, Italy along the Costa Malfitana, in Emirates, from Abu Dhabi to Alain and in Namibia, from Windhoek to Swakopmund.
Dream trip?
New York, Arizona and Disney World with my wife and kids.
As a seasoned traveller and flyer can you share some tips?
Make sure you tell someone where you are going when in a foreign country. Get a cellphone when you arrive at your destination and add the local emergency numbers. Make mental notes of landmarks so you don’t get lost if you are walking. Always safeguard your passport and credit cards or cash by leaving them in your room safe or at the reception desk in the safe. Get to know the laws of country your are visiting.
But most of all have a jol.
Where next?
Working on the family trip. - Weekend Argus