Getting to know Rachel Lewis (UK)

About

I am a bit of a long haul travel geek, I've been working in this field since 2008 although travel has been front and centre of my life for much longer. From front line sales to leading tours, from 5*+ to overland camping, I have covered a lot of ground - I love this industry so much.

WWhat's your favourite place in South Africa?

RL: My love sprouted in the Drakensberg, blossomed in the Western Cape and settled in the Kalahari - with heaps of nurturing along the way from safaris to the wild coast and my boyfriend's mums cooking in Durban. The diversity will never ever cease to amaze me. But, my favourite generic South Africa place, is wherever there is food cooking over an open fire and a glass of Chenin blanc with ice.

What's your favourite South African bite/drink ?

RL: Anything cooked on a braai, Don Pedro, bunny chow, Chenin Blanc, Pinotage are all up there. However, ghost pops win out.

What do you enjoy most about travelling?

RL: I once won a competition in 2006 answering this very question. I shall answer here with what I answered then. 'When travelling, I love the feeling of waking up in the morning and not knowing where I will be that evening' Years later when re-watching Titanic, I realised this was plagiarised from Jack. I apologise for nothing, the prize paid for my ticket to South America!

WWhat was the last crazy adventure you went on?

RL: My partner, friends and I drove a couple of motorhomes from Italy to the UK over 10 days, during the summer of 2020. Hand sanitiser and face coverings were top of the packing list, but it was a massive adventure! I took my SUP with me and pumped it up at every opportunity. It was a strange experience, walking around the quiet shores of Lake Como in the middle of July, over the Luzern bridge with few tourists and having a champagne tasting house to ourselves on a sunny afternoon in Epernay - but something I am so thankful I was able to do.

WWhat’s your favourite time of year and why?

RL: Depends where I am ;). October, in South Africa - springtime, whales, balmy weather, low humidity. May in the UK - bookmarked with 2 bank holidays, weather warming up and long days.

DDo you have any secret talents?

RL: Nothing secret, but I am an open water swimmer and thrive doing anything on or around water.

IIf animals could talk, which animal would you most like to have a conversation with?

RL: My cats.

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