Name: Craig Rogerson
Age: 27
Occupation: Drummer of Canvas Wall
My best holiday ever…
While touring Finland, we bartered good music for beer and turned what was a potentially dangerous situation into a great time where we made some good friends
I’m going to have to go with Texas as it is most fresh in my mind and really was a top runner of the destinations I’ve been to. San Antonio, being south in Texas, offered the best of Texan and Mexican food, culture and sites; and the people were so welcoming.
The vineyards, smoked meat houses and beautiful lakeside resorts were just a few of the amazing things Texas has to offer. Texas has a lot more going on than I’d expected and I’d definitely recommend heading there for a trip.
I would never return to…
Bergamo, Italy. I travelled through Bergamo on the way to the Monza F1 and it was just an ugly, industrial, tired and generally dirty place. I can live with not going there again.
The most dangerous place I’ve visited…
While touring Finland with Canvas Wall, we had a few run-ins with some local hairy biker groups. We bartered good music for beer and turned what was a potentially dangerous situation into a great time where we made some good friends.
My favourite city…
It’s a tie between Austin in Texas and Amsterdam. Austin claims to be the ‘live music capital of the world’ and it certainly delivered. Downtown Austin was a bustling network of streets with music bars and clubs everywhere you looked.
I like Amsterdam for its clean streets, easy access, relaxed locals and art; but probably more so for the fun times I’ve had there with friends.
My most memorable experience on an aircraft…
None. I’m 6”4’ and fitting on an aircraft is normally the part I hate most of a trip.
My most treasured holiday souvenir…
I don’t normally pick souvenirs up. I think the best thing you can take back from a trip are a few snaps of the beautiful things you see to jog the memory of the good times when you look back at them.
My biggest gaffe abroad…
While visiting the UK before I moved there, some friends and I drove for three hours to the wrong airport. We weren’t familiar with roads there and relied solely on the satellite navigation – such a fail at the time, but it’s funny to look back on. Lesson here: get the correct postcode for your sat nav.
The friendliest people…
Switzerland pops to mind. I have some extended family there and the memories of my time there include the friendly locals. They were all really helpful.
I never travel without...
A camera or phone that I can take pictures with.
The taxi ride I will never forget…
Seven of us grabbed taxi rickshaws in Amsterdam. I will never forget looking behind at the third rickshaw driver who had drawn the short straw and was transporting (or trying to) three of our larger mates. The expressions were priceless and they arrived at our meeting point about 20 minutes later than everyone else.
My all-time favourite holiday photo...
On my last day in Texas, I took a picture of the sun setting across the highway. Not the common setting for a great holiday snap, but it just caught the whole vibe of this southern trip perfectly.
I will never forget looking behind at the third rickshaw driver who had drawn the short straw and was transporting (or trying to) three of our larger mates
An unforgettable hotel...
I’m going to go with a hostel in fact, as it was a real deal and perhaps others will benefit from it. Bob’s Youth Hostel in Amsterdam was €40 per night for a two-bed penthouse suite and it really exceeded expectations. Once you climb up all the stairs, the views and the room were great – one of those pleasant surprises you can enjoy on a budget.
I return most often to...
Malta. Having grown up here, I have lots of friends and family I come back to visit as often as possible. You also appreciate the island in a different light when you don’t live here, but come back to visit. Malta is beautiful and I love it.
My ideal travel companion...
Anybody who is easygoing and up for a great time. I love travelling with the band because we get to experience new countries while performing in front of new crowds.
Country with the best cuisine...
I love my meat and, hands down, Texas does the best. Nine-hour smoked brisket… mmm.
My next holiday plans…
Lima in Peru is a hopeful for next year and I’m also trying to organise an American road trip with some friends. Starting on the Blues Highway, crossing Route 66 and then up Highway 101 to experience the West Coast.
I’m also looking forward to travelling more with Canvas Wall. I think travelling and being part of a band go hand in hand. We love playing to new faces and we’re in the midst of organising a few European shows at the moment.
My dream trip…
I have a long list that I’m slowly working through, but I’d love to plan a month or two to visit Australia and New Zealand.
I partied hardest in…
Finland. These guys could drink fish under the table and everyone was up for a party. When you’re handed a shot by a stern-looking hairy biker, you drink up!
My travel tip…
“The world is a book and those who do not travel read only one page.”