Former model turned Emirates air hostess, Phetogo Louwfant, shares some interesting travel experiences and how she also enjoys travelling in her personal capacity.
FIRST HOLIDAY MEMORY?
Has to be Phuket, Thailand. I was blown away by the beauty of the island and the richness of the culture and how it is preserved.
FAVOURITE PLACE IN SOUTH AFRICA?
Definitely, Cape Town. There’s a sort of tranquillity, the pace is slower; it’s much more relaxed than other cities in South Africa.The weather is always suitable for outdoor activities and there’s so much to explore, from exquisite beaches, the famous Table Mountain, vibrant cultural scenes, to historic places like Robben Island, excellent vineyards, Sea Point restaurants, contemporary museums such as the Zeitz Museum of Contemporary Art Africa. You name it, Cape Town has it.
BEST HOLIDAY?
Pretoria will always be my escape. If you want to escape the city buzz and disconnect to reboot yourself, there’s a lodge/spa hidden within the Magaliesburg mountains - Magalies Mountain Lodge. It’s a perfect place to meditate.
WHAT HAVE YOU LEARNT FROM YOUR TRAVELS?
Honestly, I have totally dived inwards through my travels. I’ve learnt that everyone has a significance and purpose, that people are a force of energy and we are all connected one way or another and that cultures are so different and they teach a
similar value.
I’ve learnt to cherish my loved ones and be grateful for what I have and to never let my value be defined by what I have but rather what I do for people.
IDEAL TRAVEL COMPANION?
My husband, simply because he’s so good at reading maps and plus the man knows everything. He’s so informed about what happens around the world.
BEACH BUM, CULTURE VULTURE OR ADRENALIN JUNKIE?
I’m a diehard fan of cultures because I come from a country where we have such an enormous variety of cultures.
I admire people who are rooted and know who they are and where they come from and those who are committed to knowing about their origins. It’s a beautiful feeling to experience any culture than your own. It broadens your horizon.
GREATEST TRAVEL LUXURY?
As an Emirates cabin crew member, we get travel benefits with the company and other airlines, such as being able to hop on to any flight and go anywhere in the world. No words can describe how grateful I am to be part of this company.
HOLIDAY READ?
I am a bookworm, so you’ll find me reading books by (Nigerian author) Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie. There’s so much depth in African literature, fiction or non-fiction. It plants a seed of knowledge that can be passed down generations.
WHERE HAS SEDUCED YOU?
Rome has played with my emotions - from the sunsets, to intimate cafés that serve excellent food, to the fashion, the old architecture, even the air! Can you believe this?
WORST TRAVEL EXPERIENCE?
When I got lost in Munich, Germany, and couldn’t find my way back to where we were staying. That was a lesson to always plan ahead.
BEST HOTEL?
Hmm, a tricky question, although the Four Seasons Resort Dubai would be my choice. If you want to experience world-class service, go there to treat yourself.
FAVOURITE WALK, SWIM, RIDE OR DRIVE?
My favourite ride has to be the abra water taxi in Deira, Old Dubai.
Forget all the glitz and glamour and skyscrapers, Old Dubai has captured my heart with its wide range of old souks, Arab architecture and the most iconic museums. Add this to your bucket list when you’re visiting Dubai.
BEST MEAL ABROAD?
Thai cuisine is simply the best. Tom Kha Gai, Tom Yum and some mango sticky rice for dessert. It’s mouth-watering!
FAVOURITE CITY?
This is a difficult question, although my heart lies with Africa. However, I do also like Rome and Bangkok.
WHERE TO NEXT?
Marrakesh in Morocco.