In our third episode of Checking Out, the travel blog, we speak to Cinema, Theatre & Television Artist and Journalist, Angela Seneviratne.

Where’s your favourite holiday destination?

My favourite holiday destination for many, many reasons is the land of the forty shades of green which is Ireland.

What are the most interesting things to do there?

Well, on every visit I have gone, I try to cover every part of Ireland. There are six counties, but there’s one county that I go and live in which is called the County Down- the one of the six I frequent most. It has quite a number of sights to see and places to go to in Northern Ireland. It’s got a lot of culture and lovely scenic places to see. 

In which country do you feel most at home?

Most at home, in Ireland, of course. I have family there so it’s my home away from home.

In what way does travel inspire you?

I’m a people person so naturally it’s meeting people, being with people- the diverse cultures and diverse people. That has been since my first introduction to a mass revelation of the world in 1975 when I met so many representatives from so many countries in the world. 

Ideal travel companion?

Hm, good question. My best friend, Mario Jayatunge. My ideal travel companion would have to be someone who’s adventurous, likes food, sightseeing, travelling, someone who likes to experience something new all the time.

What is the best journey you have ever taken?

Well, our best journey has ironically been to the very neighboring Chennai- it has been great fun. I being who I am, I subjected myself to a lot of tinsel and saris and a lot of little things that we women love. Moreover, my best friend, is a great critic of fashion and what’s new.

Where are you thinking of travelling next?

Australia, because my children are there. I like Melbourne during Christmas time, though it is hot, it’s very quaint and I like the décor around the streets. However, I think I’ll be going only in February.

What do you never travel without?

I think it’s my passport and bank card. As well as my children’s photographs and my prayer book.

What’s earliest holiday memory?

Yes, I do remember when I was about eight years old I had first trip to the cold climes of Nuwereliya where I stayed in this beautiful bungalow. It was called Little Lebanon and I remember this aunty who would make lovely cakes. Also, I remember the mists coming down- right into your house.

What was your worst travel experience?

Ah, yes. I did a train journey from Mumbai to Madras and the guard put me into a compartment saying it was ‘Ladies only’, and I ended up sharing the compartment with three men who neither slept and I didn’t sleep either. They didn’t know I knew Tamil, so one of them said that I had very long hands and long hair, which fell through the berth onto his face- he was in the berth below. That’s when he exclaimed in Tamil, ‘Munja illa mudiappa!’ (‘Your hair is in my face!’) 

By Tasneem Dawoodbhoy