Cape Town - Pedro Kruger’s talents as a storyteller, actor, composer, pianist and singer make him one of the most popular entertainers in SA. He is also known as “Die boytjie van Brackenfell” after he got his break as the resident pianist on the hit Kyk-Net music series called Liriekeraai. Kruger has also released a solo CD, called Hier in die grys.
He moves between stage and TV, and is currently performing in Normality at the Baxter.
How widely have you travelled?
I work to travel, so I have done so quite extensively over the past 12 years. Luckily now my work is starting to take me overseas.
Where was your favourite holiday or time spent abroad?
I have two favourites: New York in December – nothing quite competes with the Christmas spirit in a snow-covered Central Park. And the incredible little seaside town of Positano on Italy’s Amalfi Coast removes any stress completely and immediately.
Your worst experience on holiday?
Spending four hours schlepping up and down the same street in Rome, looking for a hotel hidden on the 5th floor of a generic building. And all that because I wanted to save on cab fare.
Your funniest experience?
During my first trip to Greece, I couldn’t read the Greek signs, of course, so three friends and I got into a ridiculously small lift (the sign read: No more than two people allowed) and promptly got stuck below the first floor. We were stuck for hours until the fire brigade came to rescue us. What was even funnier was the photo session with the Greek firemen. Another great moment saw me posing for a picture at a star on Hollywood Boulevard when a bus full of students drove past and I just heard: “Hey, Boytjie from Brackenfell, lekkkeerrrrr.’ It was surreal.
What do you avoid on holiday?
South Africans who go overseas to find other South Africans and promptly switch into a broken version of Afrikaans to show their patriotism. Cream Soda and braaivleis, yes, I got that the first 10 times.
Best meal abroad?
Pumpkin flowers stuffed with mozzarella and anchovies, deep fried in beer batter and served with a tomato and basil pesto. In Italy, of course.
Your favourite place for sundowners?
A glass of prosecco on the stoep of the little villa we rented in the hillside town of Trevi in Umbria.
What have you learnt from your travels?
Do the sightseeing, walk the blister-inducing walks, but leave time for just relaxing in book shops, coffee shops or on bridges or lawns. A mid-afternoon coffee should evolve into sunset cocktails.
Ideal travelling companion?
My partner in life and in business, Hennie van Greunen.
Culture vulture or adrenalin junkie?
Culture vulture. I watch as many shows and concerts as I can.
Greatest travel luxury?
Good hotels. I’m too old to share a bathroom.
Holiday reading?
My Kindle is always close at hand. I love biographies.
Favourite drive?
Well my favourite and scariest: the break-neck turns, ridiculous Italians and breathtaking views on the Amalfi Coast. Then this Afrikaans boy starts to seriously channel James Bond.
Dream trip?
A journey on the Trans-Siberian Railway. I have a passion for trains.
As a seasoned traveller and flyer can you share some tips?
Pack your suitcase. Then throw out half the stuff. Remember, they do sell toiletries in other countries… When flying, get comfortable, then pop a sleeping pill and a gin and tonic.
Where next?
New York where I’ll be performing Normality on Broadway. - Weekend Argus