Name: George Cassar
Age: 57
Occupation: Businessman
My best ever trip…
It is difficult to choose, but my first South American trip would probably be number one.
I grabbed my passport and gave the consul a barrage of the best Maltese anatomical phrases I could think of, with a twist of Spanish and English
We travelled through Brazil, Argentina, Paraguay and El Salvador, ending with a week in the Amazon rainforest.
The highlights were Iguazu Falls and Rio de Janeiro, my favourite city. It was an absolutely awesome travel experience.
Another most enjoyable trip was a Dardanelles and Aegean cruise with my wife Marthese, the best travel buddy anybody could ever wish for.
I felt most relaxed in…
All my cruises have been very relaxing. I especially love sailing out on the first evening, a Pina Colada in one hand, my wife in the other, looking ahead to all the new experiences we are about to have, even in places visited previously.
I lost my cool in…
Miami, at the consulate of a Central American country that shall remain nameless, lest I am deported on my forthcoming trip.
I had been informed that as a Maltese citizen I could get a visa on arrival, but was turned away by the airline, which rebooked me on the only other afternoon flight and asked me to get a visa stamped at the consulate in downtown Miami. They said it would only take 10 minutes and cost $30.
So I made my way there and waited in line. When my turn came, I was asked to see the consul in his office and he asked why I did not have his country’s visa when my passport was full of others.
I apologised and informed him that I was advised I could get a visa on arrival, since no diplomatic office existed in Malta.
He smiled sarcastically and said that he would stamp the visa for $100, but I had to collect it the following day. I panicked and told him that I needed it urgently as I would miss my flight.
I pleaded, begged, offered him an extra handout, told him I was going to spend good money in his country, but he would not listen. He just kept smiling and saying: “Mañana my friend, mañana.”
I had had enough, so I grabbed my passport and money and gave him a barrage of the best Maltese anatomical phrases I could think of, with a twist of Spanish and English for good measure.
I was thrown out and obviously had to cancel my trip and fly to New York instead.
I felt so welcome in…
Sumatra, Bali and Lombok in Indonesia. It’s like going back 100 years in time, particularly in the misty mountain villages, the bat forests and the rice fields.
In Europe, France tops the bill, especially in the south where the people are friendly, very polite, educated and have a sense of joie de vivre. They also have incredible food. Spain is a very close second.
I couldn’t wait to leave…
Nowhere in particular. Fortunately I have never had a really bad travel experience. One has to adapt, embrace the diversity and enjoy experiences that are sometimes alien and strange.
Having said that, I did not leave with a good impression of Andorra after being ripped off by rude salespeople.
At one particular duty-free shop, I had to pay twice for an item as I misplaced my receipt and was stopped at the exit. Unfortunately I had not paid with my credit card.
I partied hardest in…
The Caribbean, particularly Jamaica. We stayed at an exclusive complex full of heavy American boozers trying to do pole dancing, with a DJ pumping it up to high heaven… it was very hedonistic, very irie!
Another great party was in Ibiza on the top deck of a cruise ship, sipping sambucas under a light shower.
I cringe when I think of…
Poverty, famine and deprivation. In this most beautiful world, and on my many voyages, I have seen this other side of the coin.
Seeing me, the gorilla leaned out and covered me with the most foul-smelling, utterly disgusting gob of spit. It landed right on the lapel of my suit
I laughed so hard in…
Actually I was laughed at very hard. On a business trip to Rome, I was all suited up for an important meeting. I had arrived quite early and since I had some time to spare, I decided to visit the zoo, which was within walking distance.
There was a group of schoolchildren who were taunting the gorilla in its enclosure. Every time the beast came rushing forward and grabbed the bars, all the children would scream and run backwards.
To play the cool guy, I mixed with the children in front of the cage and when the gorilla came rushing forwardagain, I stood my ground while the kids ran away.
Seeing me, the gorilla grabbed two bars, leaned out and covered me with the most foul-smelling, utterly disgusting gob of spit. It landed right on the lapel of my suit.
The laughter from all the children and their teachers could probably be heard from the Vatican. The same laughter repeated itself at the meeting when I explained what happened. At least it got me the deal!
My longest journey was…
From the very first time I ventured out of Malta. The voyage is still going on…
I wish I could live in…
The south of France and Paris for six months. That would give me ample time to visit the art museums, the jazz clubs and the boulangeries, and to eat as much fruit de mer as possible.
I treasure the memory of…
Travelling with family and friends. The sunset at Tanah Lot in Bali, the adrenalin rush of close encounters with Iguazu and Niagara Falls, the walk on the Great Wall of China, a Richard Galiano jazz concert, eating the best lobsters in Bar Harbour in Maine, the German Christmas markets, cruising on a frozen Danube… and so much more.
The most delicious food I’ve tasted was…
Seafood in Singapore and Thailand. We went to a fish market in Bangkok where you choose the most incredible fresh seafood and pay a small fee for havingit cooked.
The first night was simply great and we decided to go back. Besides other fishy items, we planned to have fish soup. I asked the waiter to add what I thought was garlic.
We started the first spoonfuls but after a couple of minutes, my wife and I looked at each other in a dumbfounded stare and started sweating and gulping water. I felt my hair spike and we had the most horrible itching all over our bodies. It wasn’t garlic, but a kind of special chilli – the devil’s own prong tipsdipped in lava.
The hardest part of travelling is…
Finishing a trip, but at the same time planning the next.
Travel has taught me to…
Appreciate life and realise how lucky we are despite our limitations and attimes shortsightedness. And to bewell-prepared.
I dream of one day visiting…
Antarctica – in the summer season, of course!
Are you well-travelled?
Once a month we will be letting one of our readers take part in this travel interview, which normally features people in the public eye. If you would like to share your globetrotting travel experiences and photos, e-mail sunday@timesofmalta.com and write My Travels as the subject.