Name
Paul Giordimaina
Age
51
Occupation
Musician
My best holiday ever…
All my trips to Australia could be described in such terms. I have been invited three times to sing for the Maltese community there and after my work is complete I like to dash off with my brother David, who lives in Queensland, and explore amazing sites.
I love Australia’s multiculturalism and the way people live there.
I would never return to…
Up to now I don’t have a particular place that is in my black book. When going on holiday I always plan well to suit my tastes and when I travel professionally for music reasons, I have always been treated well.
The most dangerous place I’ve visited…
Nowhere comes to mind as I’m not one for adventure travel. The idea of eating leaves while living among snakes and other deadly creatures does not appeal to me. I prefer the comforts of good hotels and fine food.
My favourite city…
London, without doubt. There is so much going on musically there that I will always need a holiday when I get back! Whether I’m out for a musical, concert or a jazz gig, the pulse of London keeps beating inside me.
My most memorable experience on an aircraft…
Coming back from China I was informed that I would be upgraded to club class as the aircraft was full. Being pampered throughout the course of a 10-hour flight is a great experience.
My most treasured holiday souvenir…
I don’t buy souvenirs of places I visit. Sometimes I may pick up the odd instrument that is typical of a place, but that’s about it.
I prefer to think of the memories than stare at the mantelpiece at home.
My biggest gaffe abroad…
In Malta I’m always a bit reserved when I’m out and about as people appear to recognise me, meaning only good behaviour is allowed or tongues will start wagging. So when I’m abroad, I relax a bit more and lower my defences.
On one occasion in Australia, I had a mad five minutes (jokingly) screaming semi-obscene Maltese words at Melbourne’s Victoria market, only to be greeted by Maltese residents who recognised me. I had nothing to say in reply!
The friendliest people…
Definitely the Chinese and Romanians. In China, even if the language is a problem, people will try to help you as best they can, sometimes with humorous results.
On one occasion I tried to order toast without success, so I had no other option but to grab the waiter’s pen and paper and draw a toaster with burning bread coming out of it.
In Romania, many people speak English so it’s easier and people go out of their way to help you out.
I never travel without...
My iPod and a good book. These are two personal life-savers when I’m delayed at airports and need to occupy my time.
No matter how long I’m stranded for, time flies by when I’m reading or listening to my favourite music.
The taxi ride I will never forget…
In Kazakhstan, when I kept seeing the same buildings every five minutes. And I don’t drink, so those were no ‘mirages’.
I had to start communicating in improvised sign language with the driver and then we were at the hotel in two minutes flat.
My all-time favourite holiday photo...
I have loads from musical events I have attended with local singers in places such as Moscow, Shanghai, Brasov, Astana, Tenerife, London and Munich. However, my favourite photo is with my brother and his family and my partner Fleur in Melbourne.
An unforgettable hotel...
There have been a few occasions when I’ve been in transit and hosted in bad hotels just for the night with bad beds and wafer-thin walls, meaning I have had to listen to the next room’s occupant showering at 4 a.m.
I return most often to...
I like to incorporate music into my holidays too, so London is top of my list for the many different music scenes it offers.
My ideal travel companion...
Definitely my partner Fleur. I depend on her a lot when we’re overseas, as I tend to relax and switch off. She is my GPS because my sense ofdirection is not great. Also, she shares the same tastes for fine dining, away from the heavyparties.
Country with the best cuisine...
Italy. It doesn’t matter whether you’re in Sicily, Rome or Tuscany, the food is always amazing and the service great, especially if you are in the company of a woman.
My next holiday plans…
Frankfurt for the motor show, followed by four days living in a fantastic house in a forest with some amazing friends, away from it all.
My dream trip…
Since my work demands that I’m surrounded by people most of the time, I try to turn the page in my free time.
Places such as the Maldives would offer me the perfect environment; I would love to live there for a while.
I partied hardest in…
I’m not one to party hard on holiday, as I work in a party environment so I usually avoid such places when holidaying.
My travel tip…
Wear comfortable clothing when travelling, don’t get too adventurous with the local cuisine, and always keep your credit cards safe, as there is nothing more disturbing than being in a foreign country with no money.