TRAVEL TALK with Mark Barnaba

TRAVEL TALK with Mark Barnaba (Azure Capital, co-chairman)

Favourite holiday destination?
Italy (Umbria, Tuscany and Rome) when I have time and Broome for shorter breaks. I simply love the Italian lifestyle and think the north of WA is one of the most beautiful spots on earth.

Where's the best place in Perth to take out-of-towners?
For dinner I prefer a restaurant on the river or close to the ocean, simply to showcase our great city. Otherwise Fremantle or Kings Park, and on an AFL game day, Subiaco.

What has been your biggest travel disaster and what did you learn from it?
Missing inter-connecting flights to North America. I learned to be on time and not cut it so fine for check-in.

What is your pet hate when travelling on aeroplanes?
Not being left alone, that is, being over-serviced. I pretty much keep to myself.

How often do you travel? Is it usually for business or pleasure?
About 20 times a year. Large majority is for business.

What's always in your carry-on luggage?
Gym gear, my laptop and a good book.

Where have you always wanted to travel/holiday but haven't managed to yet?
St Petersburg. Everyone speaks so highly about it but I've never managed to get there. Hopefully one day.

What is your favourite interstate/overseas restaurant/bar/hotel?
Bella Blue, a restaurant on the upper east-side in Manhattan. It's a small Italian restaurant I've been going to for years. Simply love it.

You wish Perth could be more like ...
Vancouver (minus the rain) because I really enjoy it (but would still prefer to be in Perth).

You hope Perth always retains ...
Its freshness, cleanliness and happy-go-lucky attitude. It's what separates it from most other cities in the world. Perth is an incredibly liveable city.

What WA/Perth restaurant do you keep going back to?
Balthazar, Chapter One and Villa D'Este (very spoilt I know).