November 2009
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Journalist and broadcaster
Alan Whicker
Rex Features
As a child I holidayed in the Welsh mountains. It was a time my family and I would very much look forward to. We stayed on a farm and spent our time learning to look after cows.
My first trip abroad was to Algeria when I was 19 years old and in the army. It certainly wasn’t the ideal way to travel. We were transferred in an American cargo ship. It was very possible that our boat would be attacked but we arrived safely and the food was better than what we were used to at home. It was a very tense trip but it got me thinking about the world and I was rather determined to carry on living.
I’ve never been able to sleep on planes, so I don’t even try any more. I pass the time reading and doing some research on whichever TV series I’m working on. Although if I’m sitting next to some gorgeous blonde, I’ll chat to her.
Hong Kong is a great culinary destination. The Grill Room in the Mandarin Oriental hotel is my favourite place for dinner but a lot has changed since I first dined there many years ago. In fact, the hotel wasn’t even there when I first visited the city. It’s still a serious place for food, but the restaurant is not quite as smart as it was in the old days. Back then you really concentrated on what you were eating — I remember they served the best beef possible.
I don’t collect souvenirs but I brought back a marvellous wooden hieroglyphic carving from Easter Island. It was given to me by a local chieftain and the curious thing about it is nobody has been able to decipher it. I’ve asked several people — including one or two who were at Cambridge – and it remains a mystery. It now sits on my desk at home.
There’s only one phrase you need to learn in any foreign language. And that is: ‘My friend will pay.’ It should be the very first thing you get translated.
Alan Whicker’s latest book, Journey of a Lifetime (£19.99, HarperCollins), is out now.
