Cape Town - Award-winning actress Lizz Meiring is a versatile entertainer. She has worked in TV, theatre, writes books and plays, and is a lecturer, journalist and voice artist. She plays Betty Fourie in Cheaper Than Roses set in 1996 about a coloured woman, who had herself reclassified as white, during the apartheid years. The play is on at the Baxter from April 22 to May 3.
How widely have you travelled?
My work and holidays have taken me from Buenos Aires to Hoopstad, from Cairo to Cape Town, Europe to Namibia, Zanzibar to Zululand, Scandinavia to Swartwater, Bali to Long Beach. It’s in my stars to travel – I’m a Sagittarius.
Favourite holiday or time spent abroad?
Every new trip becomes the current favourite. I loved Argentina, I’ll always love Europe, Greece and Egypt (minus the over-eager traders and chauvinism towards women) and I found Bali (the non tourist trap version ) to be a truly tranquil destination.
Your worst experience?
As children, we often accompanied our parents on conferences abroad. In Switzerland, as a child, I went to a restroom at a train station in Lugano; locked the door, and couldn’t unlock it. Swiss trains are never late. I had created a crisis – a crying eight-year-old on the inside of the booth, worried parents and screaming Swiss officials on the outside, and a train about to depart.
Funniest experience?
When I was 18 I travelled to Spain on my own. On the doorstep of my hotel, right on the notorious Ramblas in Barcelona, I met two very friendly women who spoke their own version of English. They offered to show me the night life of the real Barcelona. Turns out, these were transsexual prostitutes. But what a fantastic night. A true education for a fairly innocent, girl. They took me to the most astounding clubs and juicy, seedy dives, and treated me to fabulous food and drinks and protected me from randy Spanish guys. Who knew these “Ladies of the night” could be such wonderful, entertaining and perhaps unfortunately (‘cause Spanish men are gorgeous), over-protective chaperones?
What do you avoid during a holiday?
Big, crowded events and beaches.
Best meal abroad?
Sample the food of the region. Eat what is in season, and you’ll always find good, healthy, fresh, affordable fare.
Your favourite place to drink a glass of wine or sundowners on your travels?
Any scenic spot, with a tranquil atmosphere.
What have you learnt from your travels?
There is a beautiful, exciting, astoundingly diverse world out there. Though we might do things in different ways, live our lives in completely different ways, and believe in different things, human nature is universal. Embrace the diversity and the adventure of the unknown, and the foreign. It makes us richer, more compassionate, more evolved individuals.
Ideal travelling companion?
Most certainly friends and not lovers. Friends who share the same interests. Do not travel with rigid, selfish or neurotic companions. Stay away from whiners and extreme penny pinchers.
Culture vulture or adrenalin junkie?
Culture vulture. Give me museums, archeological sites, places of historical interest, art galleries, and interesting libraries any day. Add a few fabulous, interesting shopping destinations and restaurants, cafés, for good measure.
Greatest travel luxury?
It’s not a luxury, it’s a necessity – good, comfortable, but preferably not ugly, walking shoes.
Holiday reading?
I love non-fiction. So biographies and autobiographies on historical, controversial figures, and of course, the life and career stories of famous, respected artists.
Favourite drive?
I get antsy in a car. It’s too long to sit still, even if the drive offers beautiful scenery. A train trip, a boat trip or a plane trip works better for me.
Dream trip?
A long boat trip abroad, on a luxury liner with stops at interesting destinations. I’d love to see Malta, for instance. But I don’t want to go on those “three-day/ three-night hit and run – fun for the whole family” horrors. I’m a total Mickey and Minnie Mouse fanatic, so perhaps a Disney Caribbean cruise would suit me well.
As a seasoned traveller and flyer, some tips?
Read, and do some research on the places you’ll visit. Then you’ll know how and where to spend your limited time. Pack for every season – clothes that make you feel comfortable and beautiful. Drink lots of water on the flight and take Melatonin for jet lag. Relax, and stop trying to control everything!
Where next?
Abroad? Wish I knew… locally, I travel to more than 200 places – for shows, events and shoots. My suitcase is a hungry beast, always ready for new adventures. - Weekend Argus