Justine Drake's travel experience: Food TV show presenter, Content Director, Mom

 ^{Justine Drake:  Content Director} 

Justine Drake has worked in media since 1988. She has written five cookbooks and edited several magazines and supplements. She was editor of Eat In magazine from 2006 to 2010, and helped it win MPASA PICA awards in 2009. Justine is a frequent guest on television and is currently shooting the fourth series of her television show Just Cooking which aired on BBC and is now on SABC3.

She is the launch editor of Pick n Pay’s Fresh Living magazine, the largest food and lifestyle publication in SA. She has numerous awards, the latest of which was Best Consumer Mag for Fresh Living at the Pearl Awards in New York in 2016.

 

 

What was your favourite place that you have travelled to and why?

"Oh my …so many!  I am a huge fan of the East – Thailand and Vietnam in particular …probably because I like tropical climate, love the sea and, well the food is as delicious as it is affordable."

Can you recommend any kid friendly places or things to do when one visits there?

"I haven’t taken my kids there but the folk of the East love kids, so I would imagine  it would be great. Also as spicy as much of the food is , it's equally easy to find a bowl of rice or noodles on every street corner…and of course eggs abound – you can usually fill even the fussiest eater with one of those.

Then in terms of the beaches – they are safe – with few waves and lots of friendly faces – you can't really ask for much more. "

What did you enjoy the most about the place?

"Where to begin? Friendly people, buzzing streets, heavenly, affordable food, lots of things to see and buy, flowers, fruit and vegetables to feast the eyes and the palate.

It's easy and cheap to navigate, the water is warm, the snorkelling spectacular and if you stay off the beaten track there aren’t even too many tourists. "

 Anything new or interesting that you learned about the place during your stay/ visit?

"You never really need to speak the language, a bit of sign language and a warm smile will suffice. "

What tips would you give to fellow travellers, when visiting the place?

"Pack far less than you even think you need. Travel with an open mind and very adventurous palate, don’t rush and never plan too much – things change all the time and there is something new and exciting to eat and see around every corner."

 

 

 

 

 

Interview with Gershawn Coetzee, Sports Anchor at ETV.

My next personality that I have interviewed is Sports Anchor for 
E.TV News Channel,  Gershawn Coetzee.

Who is Gershawn Coetzee?

"I am a Sports Anchor on E.TV,  UEFA Champions League presenter and Sports Anchor on Enews channel 403 DSTV. I was a former radio presenter on P4 radio 104.9 (now Heart fm).
I also worked at Kfm 94.5 as radio presenter. I am a father, husband, sport and fitness enthusiast. Grew up in Mitchell's Plain and believe in being successful. My motto is 'Life is too short to accept failure without having another go.'  I am a stern believer in giving others the opportunity to succeed. Where I come from or struggles endured, will not curb me of being successful and to inspire."

What was your one favourite place either locally (in South Africa) or abroad to visit?

"Without a doubt Thailand, second Spain."

What about the place did you enjoy?

"The food, culture, people, atmosphere. There is just something about an island holiday that is untamed and beautiful. Walks on the beach, sipping cocktails with your spouse. Dinner on the beach, music in the background. Snorkeling in crystal, clear tropical waters."

Gershawn and his wife snorkeling.

Any interesting fact(s) that you learned about the place while you were there?

"Learn to bargain fast, or you'll spend a lot more than you initially bargained for. People in Thailand grow up being very good salesman/women. But they can party hard too."

Any recommendations that you would give to others when visiting the place?

"You will need to enter Thailand via Singapore, which in itself has the largest harbour in the world and a great place. From their go to Cheng Mai, Bangkok (fast paced), but the ultimate is Koh Samui. This is a must!  Crystal clear water, tropical fish, tons of parties, nightlife, markets, cultural tours. The island transforms into a BIG party at night, into the way early hours. Stay away from drugs in Thailand....life sentences."

Koh Samui Mountain view.

Gershawn and his wife in Koh Samui.

How did visiting the place allow you to change in any aspect of your life, whether personally or professionally?

"To walk on the beach front and visit the islands, where many tragically lost their lives during the Boxing Day Tsunami, was a real eye-opener. One cannot imagine the heartache that so many families endured. But to see how locals have started to rebuild their lives was also a humbling experience."

In memory of the people who lost their lives in the Tsunami.

What would you do to let the place receive more exposure on what it has to offer?

" Word of mouth. Most don't realise that there are such beautiful places out there. Koh Samui is a must! "