Name: Bettina von Brockdorff
Age: 21
Occupation: Director of Inspiracion Flamenca, professional Spanish dancer

My best ever trip…

I treasure the different cultures, cuisines, languages and ways of life I have been exposed to

Visiting Seville for the first time was perhaps the most interesting and challenging trip of all.

It was quite a long trip. I had gone during the Bienal Flamenco Festival, which is held every two years, with the intention of doing some sight-seeing, taking classes with famous flamenco artists as well as watching performances.

My first time in Seville was most enchanting. I adored its old centre in the barrio of Santa Cruz. Historical landmarks such as the Cathedral, the Plaza de Toros, Alcazar, and beautiful barrios such as Triana have their own particular characteristics.

Naturally, no trip is complete without some passionate flamenco; I loved watching performances and taking part in master classes.

In addition, I went on many exciting trips to towns and villages in the province of Cadiz. I also visited many towns and villages in this beautiful province when I lived in Jerez de la Frontera for two years.

I felt most relaxed in…

At the beach in Cadiz on a Sunday when I had a free day… which was seldom!

I also felt very relaxed generally in Jerez de la Frontera when I lived there. Jerez is an important city in the province of Cadiz. It is not very large when compared to Madrid or Barcelona, but it is a lovely city to live in.

Its centre reminded me of Mdina with narrow paved roads and old buildings with fascinating architecture. This area houses the most important buildings and offices of the city. On the other hand, the rest of the city is quite modern.

Perhaps the reason why I felt so relaxed in this city is the fact that I knew how to get around so well and because I have so many friends who I consider almost family there. I was always surrounded by friends, tutors and colleagues – we met daily and always supported each other in so many different ways.

I became so accustomed to the lifestyle and the routine that it became second nature. It was hard to leave.

I lost my cool in…

Madrid, when I couldn’t find how to get around the airport. It was the first time I had travelled there alone and my time was limited as I had to catch another flight.

I felt so welcome in…

Liverpool when visiting some of my family members. It was terrific to see my family who live in England and catch up with them for a couple of days. Liverpool is a modern city and is a very welcoming place. It is especially good for shopping.

It was the first Spanish wedding I had attended and it was truly a wonderful experience. Que guay! My friends and I partied all day and night

I partied hardest in…

El Puerto de Santa Maria at the wedding of a good friend and famous flamenco artist, Beatriz Morales. It was the first Spanish wedding I had attended and it was truly a wonderful experience. Que guay! My friends and I partied all day and night!

I cringe when I think of…

All the protests that took place practically on a daily basis in Spanish streets when I was last there due to the economic crisis, job cuts, austerity measures and so on.

I laughed so hard in…

All my trips as I always made the most and enjoyed them to the fullest.

My longest period abroad…

Living in Spain for two years and building an independent life for myself there.

I wish I could live in…

I have just settled back in Malta but if I had to choose another place, it would be hard to choose between Spain and England.

I treasure the memory of…

Every trip I’ve ever been on as they have all been very varied. I particularly enjoyed exploring all the old traditional places I have visited.

I treasure the different cultures, cuisines, languages and ways of life I have been exposed to.

The most delicious food I’ve tasted was…

In Malta, for the simple reason that I love home-made traditional food. Saying this, when I travelled to Bari, the food was delicious.

The hardest part of travelling is…

Packing beforehand and actually arriving at your destination. The whole travelling process can be very tedious but once I get there, I settle down very quickly and enjoy the trip.

Travel has taught me to…

Appreciate and understand various cultures. As a consequence, I have become a more rounded person.

I dream of one day visiting…

The Caribbean islands would be lovely.