Cape Town - Karabo Tshikube is a dancer, actress, and women’s rights advocate. She is a member of V-Girls (SA).
She is co-ordinator for the One Billion Rising, a movement to end violence against women worldwide. She is currently in the play Emotional Creature on at the Baxter until August 16.
How widely have you travelled?
I’ve been to France, the US, Italy and Kenya.
Where was your favourite holiday?
Paris, not only was it a dream that I never thought would come true but it lasted for three months and two days. It felt truly surreal because it is so exquisite.
Your worst experience on a holiday?
When I could not call my family the first week that I was in Paris. I was worried that my mom thought I had become a victim of human trafficking.
Your funniest experience?
I was in New York buying a slice of pizza, which cost only a dollar and I had two dollars, so I thought I would get myself two slices of pizza. So when I got to the till, I was told that I had to pay tax. I spent about 10 minutes arguing with the guy about paying tax. Man, I love South Africa because everything is price-tagged with tax and VAT is included.
What do you avoid during a holiday?
Tour guides. I like to explore on my own terms and time.
Best meal abroad?
There is a Chinese restaurant, buffet-style in Paris. I paid only E15 (R215) for a meal and I could eat anything. The whole day. How cool is that? The only problem was, for some odd reason the beef abroad simply wasn’t juicy.
Your favourite place to have sundowners on your travels?
I have to say in the aeroplane. Seriously. It is the best place, there are no rules in the sky.
What have you learnt from your travels?
Simply, there is no place like home.
Ideal travelling companion?
Ratanang Mogotsi – she is a friend, a sister and colleague who always ensures that my body weight is the only thing I’m carrying. She does everything, from tickets, to setting alarms, to making sure I stick to my schedule and eat healthily, well, sometimes anyway. Every girl should have a friend and travelling companion.
Culture vulture or adrenalin junkie?
Adrenaline junkie. I’m young, I’m all about fun.
Greatest travel luxury?
Flying with Emirates.
Holiday reading?
I tend to get into random magazines on the plane.
Favourite drive?
Driving through the mountains and valleys in Nairobi (Kenya), seeing the Masai, leopards and monkey’s on the side of the road.
Dream trip?
I’ve travelled the world, slept in foreign beds, eaten strange cuisine, discovered that Christianity is not the only religion, discovered that walking doesn’t mean you have no car and that sitting on the right-hand side doesn’t mean you’re a passenger. But my dream trip has to be anywhere in Africa.
As a seasoned traveller and flyer can you share some tips?
I would say leave your towel at home. They add unnecessary kilograms bearing in mind that one is only allowed 20kgs. Also, take selfies, say hello and you’ll be fine.
Where next?
Johannesburg. I live there but have not explored the city enough, I mean, where the hell is Illovo? Otherwise I may take a trip to Nkandla. I am sure I will have my own room, kitchen, air conditioner, free wi-fi…
Weekend Argus