Name: Angele Galea
Age: 36
Occupation: Artist
My best holiday ever...
We had a four-poster bed, mahogany furniture, a luscious bath, and a window view of a golf course and a helipad
Ireland in 2008. My husband Malcolm and I went to Dublin right after St Patrick’s Day. Unfortunately we missed all the craziness, but the aftermath was hilarious. Random joviality and the odd drunk!
We drove across Ireland to the quaint village of Clifden and stayed for a night in a castle. It was very romantic and classy.
Then we went to a quaint guest house in the hills that featured all kinds of ceramic cows. We ended up buying one – a cow, that is, not a guest house.
I would never return to...
Bari in Italy. Not because I didn’t like it. On the contrary, I loved it. We went there for a friend’s wedding and had a lovely time walking round Selva di Fasano. They have late night markets where you can buy all sorts of artefacts. We visited a family-run restaurant and I have never tasted such delicious antipasti.
But, I would not return since there are so many other places in Italy that I have not been to yet.
The most dangerous placeI’ve visited...
Mount Etna in Sicily when I was 16. I didn’t consider it dangerous at the time, but the following year it erupted and caused havoc, so I don’t think I’ll be going back any time soon.
My favourite city...
Barcelona. The city is magnificent – I even like the paving there. You can feel Gaudi’s presence in everything and I just love the Moorish influence.
Unfortunately I only went there for two days for work. Still the city is so vibrant, I definitely have to go again and next time I want to visit the Sagrada Famiglia among many other places.
My most memorable experience on an aircraft...
The first time I flew when I was 14. I had no idea what to expect. As the plane started turning on the runway, I was so excited and nervous that I thought it had taken off.
I thought this flying business was easy and I would have enjoyed the flight more had I not been sitting next to this old man who kept talking non-stop about stuff I did not really care about.
Then all of a sudden, the plane took off and I couldn’t fathom the pressure I felt in my ears. So with my ears buzzing, this old gentleman talking incessantly and my sister nudging me and teasing, it was quite a ride.
My most treasured holiday souvenir...
A card I bought from Antwerp. We went there on our honeymoon – not a very well thought out plan, I must say, but I still enjoyed it.
We found this curio shop that had the most amazing collection of cards. I have always been fascinated by paper. This card had a 3D fairy, all glittery on tiptoes and somehow, my inner little girl leaped with joy at seeing it.
I’ve kept it on my dresser for the past seven years and every time I look at it, I’m happy. Strange I guess, but totally true.
My biggest gaffe abroad...
Antwerp again. We (shamefully) had no idea where Antwerp was in Europe, so the whole trip was a big surprise. “Oh, so we’re off to Belgium then. Aha, what is there to see? Well, they sell chips in a newspaper cone with mayonnaise. Great!” That, in essence, was the colour of the whole trip.
The friendliest people...
Most definitely the people in Edinburgh. I have been three times so far. The first time we went, we were looking around with a map and people stopped to ask if we needed help or directions.
I never travel without...
Something belonging to my son. Even if Malcolm travels by himself, I give him a small blanket! I started doing this when Malcolm was in London for a month-and- a-half with his musical Porn and my son Ethan was only four months old. He used to travel a lot and somehow, having given him this little blanket I worried less. So I kept this ‘tradition’.
The taxi ride I will never forget...
When we went to Barcelona for those two days and the driver could not understand a word of English, which I thought was very odd. We were with a Maltese guy on this trip who is now unfortunately deceased, so I remember these little incidents very fondly.
We went to Antwerp on our honeymoon – not a very well thought out plan, I must say
My all-time favourite holiday photo...
Malcolm in Dublin with Oscar Wilde... his statue, obviously. We had so much fun that day and that statue epitomises it all. Swagger, sense of humour and minimum modesty rolled into one statue.
An unforgettable hotel...
The castle we stayed at in Clifden. We had a four-poster bed, mahogany furniture, a luscious bath, a window view of a golf course and a helipad, and as a welcome drink we were given champagne in fluted glasses which we drank at a fireplace surrounded by books. My idea of perfection.
I return most often to...
Edinburgh for the Fringe Festival and Italy for the art. I can’t help it. I’m not a very adventurous traveller. I just follow the arts.
My ideal travel companion...
My husband. We have very similar tastes and temperaments. We like watching similar things and shopping is not something I enjoy. I’d rather see a gallery ora play.
Country with the best cuisine...
Italy, definitely. The Italians are surrounded by art and they find time to ingest it. What better way to enjoy a dish then while listening to an aria or to a poet reciting his work? Plus the food is todie for.
My next holiday plans...
Maybe New York to watch Porn the Musical (the one my husband wrote) being put on there next season. We are expecting a baby in September so by then, our second son would be reaching the ripe age of 10 months, God willing, and we’ll go lend our support.
My dream trip...
Years from now, when my children are older, I’d love to visit China. Their culture is so rich and different from whatI’m used to, I’d love to explore theunfamiliar.
I partied hardest in...
Rome with some friends. One of us had local friends and they took us to a party. It was fun dancing to Italian music for a change.
My travel tip...
Be happy wherever you go. If something goes wrong, try to see the bright side and you’ll have fun. At least you’ll have something interesting to recount to your friends and relatives later.