‘The memories remain forever’

Name: Gisèle Grima
Age: 26
Occupation: Pianist and music teacher

My best holiday ever…

When I was younger, my family and I went on a Caribbean cruise. One of the destinations was Labadee, an island covered in white sand, with an exclusive beach for cruise liner passengers. The entire trip was lavish and I loved the fact that we had everything imaginable onboard the ship.

The food, the wine, the service, the musicians, the tutors, the concerts and above all the music-making were all memorable

I would never return to…

This is a tricky one as I appreciate all kinds of places when travelling. I would have to say, however, that I found Tampere in Finland to be one of the least exciting cities I have been to, notwithstanding the music konservatorio I attended.

Tampere is not only too small but it lacks life and soul. It is extremely quiet at the weekends, almost eerie with its empty streets. When I lived there for five months, I often travelled to Helsinki with friends to escape the monotony. On the plus side, it was easy to travel from Tampere to neighboring countries and we managed fleeting visits to St Petersburg and Stockholm.

The most dangerous place I’ve visited…

I don’t think I’ve ever visited any country which I would label as dangerous. Thankfully I have always felt safe wherever I have travelled. I did feel a slight difference in terms of security when I moved from Edinburgh to Manchester, but that does not necessarily mean that it was more dangerous.

My favourite city…

Edinburgh is by far my all-time favourite. It is so beautiful and unique.

There are countless spots in Edinburgh which make it look less like a city and more like a theatrical backdrop.

Princes Street, the main shopping area in the centre, offers a magnificent view of the old town with Edinburgh Castle perched on a hill.

Where else in the world can you get the best of both luxuries: shopping and spectacular scenery.

I lived in Edinburgh for three years during my studies and only now do I really appreciate it as a highly sophisticated and cultural city.

My most memorable experience on an aircraft…

Despite travelling by plane regularly, I am still slightly edgy when it comes to flying.

I always feel much more comfortable when travelling with a friend or relative.

I recently performed around Iceland and needed to travel from Reykjavik to the north.

Strangely, they have no train system there so I was left with no choice but to get a flight.

The plane seated eight passengers and it was more like a mini-van with propellers.

Once we were up in the air, I realised what a rare experience this 30-minute flight offered.

The glaciers below were just breathtaking and I suddenly did not regret being onboard.

My most treasured holiday memory…

The sauna and jumping-in-a-freezing-lake experience in Scandinavia. The after effect was just overwhelming and I remember sleeping so well that night.

My biggest gaffe abroad…

If pre-flight gaffes apply then here’s one: I was about to leave for a skiing trip with some school friends. Having arrived at the check-in desk I realised my passport had expired – epic fail!

I was only 12 years old and was so upset but my parents made every effort to get things sorted.

In less than 24 hours, they miraculously managed to have my passport reissued and arranged for me to fly that same day on a later flight. Thanks to them I managed to get to Geneva in time and joined my friends on the slopes the following day.

The friendliest people…

I would say that the Scottish and the Welsh are possibly the friendliest people I have come across.

I never travel without...

A comfortable pair of shoes. Whatever and wherever the holiday, I choose to walk around in order to explore a city or town. So a good pair of walking shoes is vital.

The taxi ride I will never forget…

Would probably have to be in Damascus, Syria. The driving is absolutely manic there and the amount of dented cars is proof of the crazy drivers. Once I got in the taxi, I realised that walking may have been the safer option.

Country with the best cuisine...

You can never go wrong with local Italian cuisine so my number one would have to be Italy. In recent years, I travelled on holiday to Rome and the Tuscany region where the pizza, pasta or bistecca fiorentina never failed to impress. The Italians are super talented when it comes to food and you are always guaranteed a great meal.

My all-time favourite holiday photo...

There are so many memories I cherish. Photos are only a reminder of them but memories remain forever.

An unforgettable hotel...

Some years ago, I attended a piano music course in Castelfranc in the south of France. We lived in a chateau for a week and never wanted it to end.

The food, the wine, the service, the musicians, the tutors, the concerts and above all the music-making were all memorable.

I return most often to...

The UK. I would regard it as my second home, having spent six years there. Now I often travel there to give concerts, attend masterclasses and visit friends and tutors. I find the UK an easy country to travel around and I can see myself going back and forth for the rest of my life.

My ideal travel companion...

Probably anyone who is easygoing, understanding and fun to be around. My mum is usually a great companion to travel with but I often cannot cope with her energised shopping sprees!

My next holiday plans…

My honeymoon. My fiancé Carl and I are just browsing for holiday ideas at the moment. In spite of wanting to travel outside of Europe, I have not yet visited Vienna or Prague and would love to do so at some point in my life.

My dream trip…

It would have to include the following: shopping, great company, cultural visits, laughter, relaxation, sunshine, good food and some nice wine.

I partied hardest in…

To me partying is not a top priority when travelling on holiday. There are so many other things one can explore.

Having said that, I do remember one partying incident in Tarviso, a small town in northeastern Italy. I was travelling with my family on a skiing trip and on our first night my brother, his girlfriend and I partied till dawn in this tiny club. We were very brave to attempt our first skiing lesson the following day.

My travel tip…

Always think ahead but do not overdo the planning as this may spoil the fun. Make some sandwiches before getting on a low-cost flight, keep a change of clothes in your hand luggage, carry a travelling weighing scales and pack antibiotics as they are not easy to obtain abroad.