Cape Town - Award-winning actress Susan Danford has worked here and abroad on stage, and in film and television, for over two decades. In 2006, she won the Fleur du Cap Best Actress Award for her portrayal of Emma in Harold Pinter’s Betrayal. She is in a play called The List at the Baxter.
How widely have you travelled?
I am fortunate to have been able to experience some of the remotest, wildest parts of Africa as well as having crossed the Atlantic and Mediterranean many times. I have been to New York, Washington, Toronto, Montreal, London, Paris, Brussels, Rome and Milan, to mention just some of the cities. There are still so many destinations and my travel bucket list just keeps growing. I’ve never been to the East.
Where was your favourite holiday or time spent abroad?
I have very special memories as a young girl of spending endless hours swimming in the warm Indian ocean off the coast of Mozambique. My mum took us on many a great holiday adventure to unexplored territories in Africa. I’ve seen wildlife at its best and most abundant, in its natural surroundings throughout our continent.
Your worst experience on a holiday?
My brother accidentally parked the car on my sea-sand-covered, bare foot while I was trying to get into the back seat of the vehicle. Phew, was that unpleasant. For the rest of that summer holiday, I was immobile and bandaged. Not quite my idea of seaside fun.
Your funniest, most embarrassing experience?
In New York, when I picked up a total stranger’s hotel room key instead of mine as I said goodnight and exited the dining area. Naturally, the matter was eventually resolved when my hotel door would not open and I realised what had happened. It may have been funny… but certainly embarrassing.
What do you avoid during a holiday?
I avoid making eye contact with strangers in major cities. I’ll never forget the woman who yelled at me when I was in a very full, very busy Charing Cross train station washroom, in London. She was staring at me as I put on some lipstick and brushing my unruly hair. Her stares prompted me to make eye contact, smile and say, “Hello”. Big mistake! She yelled at me, at the top of her voice, accusing me of being “a hormone pusher”. (The washroom quickly cleared.)
Best meal abroad?
Mennagio in Italy. The simplicity and abundance of local flavours, fresh fish, a side plate of hand-picked tomatoes and red wine.
Your favourite place to have sundowners on your travels?
Any place where I can see far off into the distance, preferably with family and friends.
What have you learnt from your travels?
Wherever you go, there you are.
Ideal travelling companion?
Definitely my husband, Stephen, and our son, Michael.
Culture vulture or adrenalin junkie?
Cultural vulture. My once-in-a-lifetime culture vulture experience was seeing the legendary Rudolph Nureyev dance in London in the early 1980s.
Greatest travel luxury?
Well, let me put it this way. My most unexpected travel luxury was being upgraded to first class when flying across the Atlantic on my way to New York.
Holiday reading?
I enjoy reading Vanity Fair magazine.
Dream trip?
I would love to take my family on a cycling holiday to the south of France. Our son, Michael, wants to go snowboarding in Canada. So, I am torn really… my snowboarding skills leave much to be desired.
As a seasoned traveller and flyer, can you share some tips?
The less you pack, the less you have to carry.
Where next?
I would like to say, the south of France. - Weekend Argus