Cape Town actress Kim Engelbrecht is known for her role as Lolly in the SABC3 soapie Isidingo. Then she branched out into movies and saw her career skyrocket. She has played the prostitute Nancy in Tim Greene’s A Boy Called Twist, an SA interpretation of Charles Dickens’ classic Oliver Twist, featured in Revel Fox’s film The Flyer, the edgy urban comedy Bunny Chow and popular-culture satire Popcorn, directed by the UK’s David Bownes.
She also played the lead in the Afrikaans play Kroes, has co-produced her first comedy show, Mind the Gap, and joined a madcap ensemble cast in Janice Honeyman’s festive-season pantomime, Robinson Crusoe.
How widely have you travelled?
I have been fortunate to travel, but not as much as I would have liked, due to my television commitments. I intend to travel more now that I have more time to explore. I have never been to Asia and would really love to see China as well as India just to have the Eat, Pray, Love experience.
What has been your favourite overseas destination?
New York. Everyone should get to experience walking in Central Park. It’s as if you are in a Woody Allen film.
Your worst experience on a holiday?
Being in New York on 9/11.
What do you avoid during a holiday?
Economy class.
Your funniest experience?
When I was in London, in a club. I was letting my hair down and being really silly, thinking no one would recognise me. Next minute a group of South Africans approached and recognised me from Isidingo. Lesson learnt. Always behave, because it’s a small world.
Best meal abroad?
Christmas lunch in Switzerland with my older sister. It was just the two of us and some friends – no family. The streets were empty and the restaurants quiet. It was a special bonding experience. The meal wasn’t that great… but the experience outweighed it.
What have you learnt from your travels?
To appreciate and learn to respect other people’s cultures and traditions.
Ideal travelling companion?
Someone who can go with the flow. My mom was pretty awesome to travel with in Egypt, she is one fun lady. She eventually became the one who loved the experience while I took on the role of worrying about wake-up calls and departure times.
Culture vulture or adrenalin junkie?
A bit of both. I love all the street performers in London as well as the States. I lose myself in all the galleries and exhibitions… the ones I can afford. Yet I always enjoy water sports and sand-boarding.
Greatest travel luxury?
Money.
Holiday reading?
I never really read on holiday except if it is a map or instructions to use a new device I bought abroad. I have a weakness for airports. I have to buy something. They are so devilishly constructed.
Favourite drive?
Cape Town to Knysna.
Dream trip?
China, mostly because of its history and its current status in the world.
As a seasoned traveller and flyer, can you share some tips?
Always be a vigilant traveller; don’t always believe that crime only happens in SA; get a bag with wheels – there is nothing worse than lugging baggage around from plane to train to bus.
Where next?
London – yay! - Weekend Argus