Cape Town - South African theatre legend Andrew Buckland received a Standard Bank Standing Ovation Award at this year’s National Arts Festival in recognition of the significant and long-standing contribution he has made to the theatre industry. A new solo production, Laugh The Buffalo, from this internationally acclaimed thespian, is on at the Baxter until November 30.
How widely have you travelled?
I have been really fortunate to have visited Zimbabwe, Zambia, Namibia, Lesotho, Swaziland, Rwanda, Mauritius, Australia, Cambodia, England, Northern Ireland, Scotland, France, Belgium, Sweden, the US and Canada.
Where was your favourite holiday or time spent abroad?
New York, no question. It’s vibrant, cosmopolitan, one is spoilt for great choices of everything and, of course, the city never sleeps.
Your worst experience on a holiday?
It has to be when I woke up at 3am in the airport in Bangkok having missed a flight to Phnom Phen in Cambodia. As it turned out, this turned into one of the most fun adventures I have had after realising that I had no one to help me which left me to my own resources. Without panicking, I found my way to Battambang. Late night Phnom Phen by bus and motorcycle is very exciting.
Your funniest experience?
When I was in La Vegas with The Beatles show for Cirque du Soleil, the acrobat from the Ukraine heard that my wife would be coming to join me and said: “Oh good… now you gonna have someone to cook for you, yeah?”
What do you avoid during a holiday?
A change in plans.
Best meal abroad?
A traditional Cambodian dish which is wrapped in banana leaves.
Your favourite place to drink a glass of wine or to have sundowners on your travels?
On the Zambian side of the Victoria Falls.
What have you learnt from your travels?
How beautifully insignificant I am and how profoundly significant I am… that people are as much the same as we are different. Travelling to different places and engaging with different cultures helps us to understand and celebrate these differences and sameness all at once.
Ideal travelling companion?
I love hanging with my wife, Janet, who suffers from fear of flying which she reckons is a control thing. So, she’s a high maintenance travel companion. However, once you get her to the destination, she does let go a bit. She’s adventurous, good at meeting people and starting conversations. My son, Daniel, and I worked well travelling, too, and staying in Las Vegas together working on The Beatles.
Culture vulture or adrenalin junkie?
I would say both, if possible, and at the same time. I have my skydiving licence (although it is not current) and I love to engage in the culture of a place that is new to me.
Greatest travel luxury?
Constant stimulation.
Holiday reading?
It really would be whatever is lying about to read.
Favourite drive?
California. The highway down the coast between Los Angeles and San Francisco is spectacular.
Dream trip?
If it’s with Janet, then it would be a luxury cruise. If I was alone, it would be to see more of Africa.
As a seasoned traveller and flyer, can you share some tips?
Don’t pack too much – the bare minimum is best.
Where next?
Janet and I have talked long about a walking and cycling tour in Italy… but who knows? - Weekend Argus