’DIFFERENT IS NOT BETTER OR WORSE’
Jonathan Roxmouth shares some great lessons from a working life lived on the road
The first holiday I remember as a child, we went to the Umhlanga Sands with my grandparents. They had timeshare of sorts and we got upgraded to the penthouse. I felt like a king and used to sit on the balcony and look at the sea with my grandfather. I had never seen a view like that in my life.
My first trip abroad was to Australia. I won best speaker in a Rotary competition and received five weeks all over New South Wales. I went to about 10 different cities and met a lot of people. It blew my 17-year-old mind.
I was recently in China for 22 weeks on tour with Chicago. I was initially very apprehensive, as my ignorance about China made me fear and dread the trip. I got over myself and embraced the culture by realising that different is not better or worse. By the time I was standing on the Great Wall in Beijing, I was a convert. I hope to go back soon with the Phantom tour.
My favourite South African city is Stellenbosch. The people, food and wine make it the perfect getaway spot.
My favourite international city is New York. I think I lived there in a previous life. The energy of the city replenishes me when I need it.
When it comes to choosing roughing it or luxury, I’d like a bit of both. Leopard Hills in Sabi Sands is my idea of the perfect balance. I would add that locking away any and all messaging devices is a must. Being that secluded is the absolute peak of relaxation and the stars at night are in HD.
My worst destination is anywhere that involves obnoxious children with non-committal, lazy parents.
The oddest thing I’ve experienced while travelling was seeing someone do a full change of clothes at a breakfast buffet in Malaysia. There’s nothing quite like a tossedaside T-shirt and stinky socks with your eggs.
My best piece of travel advice is to try to find restaurants that have lines of locals wanting to eat there. It generally means affordable, good food.
My go-to plane outfit is a comfortable tracksuit and slippers (I only change shoes once on the plane. It’s not like I’m at a breakfast buffet in Malaysia or anything).
I would love to go to Greece. In particular, Ithaca.
Roxmouth is currently on an international tour with The Phantom of the Opera, but will be appearing in Lenny, Andrew, Steve and Me at the Pieter Toerien Theatre at Montecasino from September 13 to October 6.