Name: Matthew Engerer
Age: 34
Occupation: Singer/songwriter

My earliest travel memory…

Having lived in Melbourne for six years as a child, I can still remember the excitement the whole family felt when we were heading back to Malta. My brother Luke and I were convinced we were moving to a black and white country as all the photos we had seen of Malta were old ones. We were very relieved when we landed and everything remained in colour.

I would never return to…

I always try to find the best in places I visit and make the most of my time there, but one place I try to avoid is Bangkok. I’m sure the city has plenty of great things to offer but I just can’t seem to look past the seediness. Also, when you blow your nose and black goo comes out because of all the pollution you kind of feel it’s time to move on.

The most dangerous place I’ve visited…

As far as natural dangers go, Australia certainly takes the biscuit. You have to remain on guard at all times when road tripping through the northern parts of Western Australia and the Northern Territory.

Sharks, snakes, spiders, jellyfish, saltwater crocodiles and dingoes are just a few of the animals that can seriously injure you or kill you. And although kangaroos and koalas look awfully cute and cuddly, you do not want to cross them because they will shred you up.

Although kangaroos and koalas look awfully cute and cuddly, you do not want to cross them because they will shred you up

My favourite city…

I’m not much of a city person as I much prefer being close to nature and living in small towns. If I had to choose a favourite city it would have to be Melbourne. The music scene is unbelievable, with buskers around every corner, free live music in bars and pubs, and great festivals and concerts almost every weekend.

Melbourne is really easy to get around on the trams and there are plenty of markets, cafes and museums to keep you entertained. The city has plenty of culture, with a huge mix of nationalities, including a very large Maltese community.

My most treasured holiday souvenir…

I don’t tend to pick up too many souvenirs on my travels but I have picked up a few tattoos from some of my favourite places. I had a half-blind medicine man tattoo a tribal bow and arrow on my left leg in the Mentawai islands of Indonesia, and I have a silhouette of a stilt fisherman on my right leg courtesy of one of my students in Sri Lanka. He used a pot of ink and a safety pin and seemed to be more interested in the cricket that was on TV.

My biggest gaffe abroad…

A few days into our travels in Sri Lanka, my good friend Maurice and I decided it was time for some exploring. We followed the beach till we reached a river, and about 50 meters out was a little island with a single palm tree. We had to sit under that tree.

We starting wading into the water, and when we were in chest deep we heard some yelling behind us. We turned around to see a man waving his arms frantically and beckoning us to head back.

We returned to the beach and asked him what the problem was. He replied in broken English “no swim here, very dangerous”. We asked why and he replied, “number one, very strong current, number two, very big crocodile”, and he pointed to a five-metre croc lying on a rock 20 metres from where we were, licking his lips.

This man, Chudi, went on to become our closest friend and aid in Sri Lanka.

The friendliest people…

While travelling you get to see how hospitable people actually are. Every place I’ve been to, rich or poor, the people of the town or village have welcomed me with open arms and treated me like family.

On road trips through Australia and New Zealand, people have invited me into their homes for a hot shower and a meal. Even in the poorer countries I visited the people greet you with a warm smile and are always willing to share the little food they have with you.

I never travel without...

My guitar. It’s actually been the only thing I’ve taken on some trips. Music is a universal language and no matter where you are in the world people love to sit around a fire to play and listen to music. Playing music is how I met some of my closest friends while travelling and, best of all, my guitar is there to keep me company when no one else is around.

An unforgettable hotel...

While travelling through India, Maurice and I stopped for a night in a little hotel. We were shown to our room and after a short rest headed out to get some food. When we returned to our room for a good night’s sleep, we were shocked to find two men lying in our beds. The men thought we were going to rob them and we had real concerns about the older man’s health as it seemed like he was having a heart attack.

After 20 minutes of trying to explain ourselves in broken English, the manager showed up and explained that he had accidently double booked the room. Not wanting to share the room with two other people, we asked for our money back, only to be surrounded by all the staff and what appeared to be all their families. They were very upset that we wanted to leave and refused to let us go.

I had a half-blind medicine man tattoo a tribal bow and arrow on my left leg in the Mentawai islands of Indonesia

After what seemed to be a lifetime of begging they gave us our money back and, much to our relief, we left in one piece.

I return most often to...

Pai, a magical little village in the northern hills of Thailand. The village is bustling with markets, music, art and a general sense of well-being and creativity. I have spent a total of a year in Pai, playing music for accommodation and drinks in different bars. I am a bit worried that Pai might outgrow its charm, but for now it’s still a little slice of paradise that I love going back to.

My next holiday plans

It feels like heading back home to Malta is a holiday from travelling for me. It’s been over three years since my last visit and, with family and friends having babies and getting married, it’s definitely time for a trip back to the rock to catch up with all that’s been going on.

My dream trip…

Buying a bus and travelling around the US playing music in obscure, little towns where they think Malta is somewhere in Texas. Then again, a sailing trip around the Mediterranean sounds pretty inviting too.

My travel tip…

Travel with an open mind and an open heart and the universe will lead you in the right direction. (And if Maurice says left, go right!)

I travel because...

With every new adventure come new experiences; around every corner there is something new to discover and with every person you meet there is something new to learn. This is why I travel.

Visit www.facebook.com/walrusandthecarpentermusic for more information on Mr Engerer’s music.