Fashion designer Catherine Rawson lives in Galle where she runs The Old Railway, a cafe cum boutique store from where she sells her many creations. A graduate of the Central Saint Martin School of Art and Design she has worked in many fashion houses in Europe before she settled down in Sri Lanka. Catherine has also worked as a tour leader for a leading travel company and here she shares her travel experiences.

Why do you love travel?

I am a naturally inquisitive person and I want to learn new things, see new sights, smell new places and gain new experiences and no one can do that at home. It’s all about inspiration not only for work but for modelling yourself as a person.

Your favourite travel destination and why?

Very difficult as too many amazing places, but I think I haven’t been truly wowed again in the same way I was when I worked in Namibia. Southern Africa taught me the meaning of the word space, the open landscapes there are inspiring.

What do you need for a perfect holiday?

A local guide and a practical piece of luggage. A good book and a notebook and crayons.

In which country have you felt most at home?

I guess that would be Sri Lanka as after several holidays here I moved here for good and it is now the place I call home!

Most unusual souvenir you have brought home?

A traditional horse bridle from Kashgar market, an ancient trading market town on the silk route on the border of China and Kyrgyzstan. I loved the smell of the leather. It hangs next to my dressing table and has sadly been nibbled by chipmunks over the years!

Worst holiday or travel experience?

Once I was threatened on a local bus in Vietnam by a crazy lady with a sword, but on my last trip home to the UK I was stuck in Manchester when my flight was delayed for 2 days, I was travelling alone with my 1 year old baby, that was not much fun.

Best piece of travel advice?

Don’t obsess about taking photos of things, especially wildlife. Sometimes it is better to have a memory seen with your eyes, than a picture taken through a lens.

Your top five travel destinations?

1. Hanoi old town in Vietnam – fantastic atmosphere and street food.
2. Sossuslvei sand dunes in Namibia – amazing sense of space and so much fun to run down!
3. Tiger’s Nest monastery in Bhutan – such a special, serene place.
4. Holy ceremony on the Ganges river bank in Varanasi, India – never seen anything like it in my life before or since.
5. The small alleys in Florence in Italy – steeped in history and like being in a film, so beautiful.

What has travel taught you?

To have no expectations of anything and take it all as it comes. That the Western world isn’t always right! That home is much more interesting after being away to a new place.

Which country did you taste the best ever cuisine?

When France does it well, it does it really well. I have had the best meal of my life so far in a 5 star restaurant in Paris overlooking the Eiffel tower.

Next travel destination?

New York.

By Tina Edward Gunawardhana