Whats your favorite mode of travel?
I wouldn't call it my favorite mode, but an aeroplane is definitely the vessel I take most in order to arrive at my chosen destination. If I was to choose a favorite then I would say travelling by horse, it really is the best way to cross land and to be close to nature.
Why do you travel?
I love to explore, and discover new cultures and people. It is like reading a good book, you are taken on a journey and an adventure, I was always a curious child and travel allows me to nurture this curiosity, to learn and to encounter incredible places and people, forging long term friendships and networks that span all continents.
What do you think of the future of travel? How do you see the future of our society? How do you think we can contribute?
This is a dense topic of conversation, conscious travel and responsible travel, I focus on the way I travel and the people I travel with and how we can contribute to the destinations we choose. The most important element for me is respect, to understand where you are to learn and be aware of customs and cultural nuances that can differ from our own. Awareness and not being deterred by visiting an unstable country, with the correct organisation, teams and vigilance the most daunting of places can be the most rewarding and by extension a much needed contribution to countries that are more unchartered. The future of our society is a big question - globalised!
What is your future dream trip?
I love riding, I am yet to ride in Botswana, which is a dream of mine, I am also planning a trip in the footsteps of Peter Mathhiseon to track the snow leopard. Hopefully I will be able to watch the largest mammal migration in the world when over eight million fruit bats arrive from the Congo basin to Zambia's Kasanka National Park. This migration takes place from October to December. There is also the rare super bloom in Atacama that happens every decade, I am prepared to jump on a flight to Chile with an Argentine friend....
What is your favorite journey ever that you took?
Every journey holds a different charm and memory and experience, I am not sure that I have a favourite, as I get older I like familiarity and to go back to countries I know well and deep dive into the cultures and visit different areas. I lived in Rwanda for a couple of years and one of my most magical journeys was to Nyungwe Forest in SouthWestern Rwanda. I love the dense tropical forest, the flora and fauna and the wonderful tea plantations. It is also a birder's paradise with common sightings of the Rwenzori Turaco...
What are some of your favorite addresses in the world?
There is a fabulous antiquarian in Franschhoek, South Africa, I found a first edition of JM Coetzee's Foe that was quite the find! In Rome there is one the most ornate and wonderful jewellery shops called Massimo Maria Melis with amazing pieces from ancient Rome. In Jaipur there Saurashtra is a cavern of incredible textiles and colourful garb. It is literally a treasure trove for people who love design and textiles and rummaging rummaging rummaging...In Kigali I always stop by Gayaha links for their woven trays and baskets and Aporade a small cooperative of women who embroider linen from Belgium, they have the best napkins and cushion covers.I just returned from Buenos Aires and I always visit Aux Charpentier, the only place to buy Bombachas de Campo and if you have enough time they are made-to-measure. London, Felt on Chelsea green, Liza has the most wonderful eclectic taste in jewellery and accessories.
What are your favorite places and activities where you live?
I love being outdoors, and walking - I live near the Montmartre Cemetery which has wide avenues that are flanked by ornate and decorative tombstones. There is also the Musee Gustave Moreau which is a hidden gem. London all the parks, including Wormwood Scrubs near my home which is a little of wild in the city. I am a keen cyclist but living in busy cities is not particularly safe so when I have the opportunity to cycle I like to saddle up and cycle out of the city.
A treasure that you found on a trip? An object or memory?
People, all of the incredible characters that I have met and remained friends or connected to. I have tucked in my phone case the business card of a remarkable man I met when I was crossing Lake Kivu, going from North to South on a boat and ran into some trouble with immigration. I thought I was going to have to leave DRC but I ended up on a 3 hour boat ride with a wonderful chap who has remained a solid contact in that region. I carry his business card as a reminder to keep trust and courage.
Tell us something about your object of choice - about the kenyan Kikoy available in our Webshop?
They are a ubiquitous choice of clothing on the coast of Kenya a Kikoy but I love mine as sheet, my friend Carol Korschen from Peponi Hotel makes from time to time two double kikoys that are sewed up to make a sort of sleep sack - it is an item I take everywhere with me and can be made to order, alternatively you can buy a couple of Kikoys and sew them together. There is also my little felt gorilla christmas bauble, I love my hanging primate, these are made by Handspun Hope and organisation based in Musanze in the Northern Province of Rwanda. The women here are skilled in making felted animals and they are the best.