Travel talk with
Dr Penny Flett
CEO
Brightwater Care Group
CCI WA president
Favourite holiday destination?
“Sabah; it’s where I grew up. It was a British colony, and it is still much as I remember; a beautiful and friendly place. Mount Kinabalu still dominates the skyline, and [looking at it] reminds me of climbing it one summer holiday…it’s a big climb.” Ed note: Sabah is now a Malaysian state. It is located on the northern portion of the island of Borneo.
Favourite place in WA to take a short break?
“Yallingup. There are so many miles of beach to wander along, watch the surf and the surfers.
Failing that, my own back yard. I love to have the time to do all the things that I can’t get to during the busy working week.”
Best destination to holiday if you have to/want to take the kids?
“Anywhere near river or sea. There’s so much to do and see without a television. Kids need to be able to roam at large, let their imaginations run free, and wear themselves out doing interesting things.”
What has been your biggest travel disaster and what did you learn from it?
“I haven’t had a bad disaster, thankfully. My tip is to travel very light and take it on the plane with you…avoid putting a bag in the hold if you possibly can.”
Pet hate when travelling on airplanes?
“The airport hassle…parking, queuing, waiting, jostling, waiting etc etc etc.”
If you could only take one item on a long-haul flight what would it be?
“A good book.”
How often do you take a holiday?
“Short breaks two or three times a year, interspersed with the odd long weekend.”
You wish Perth could be more like…
“...Perth is pretty good the way it is. The advantages of distance from the rest of Australia far outweigh the disadvantages. It would be good to have unrestricted shopping hours, though.”
You hope Perth always retains…
“…easy access to the river foreshore and the beach, its wide-open spaces, its vast blue sky, and its free spirit.”
Where have you always wanted to travel/holiday but haven’t managed to yet?
“Istanbul; I want to lose myself in the bazaars. I would love to be there and appreciate all the amazing things that have happened there through the centuries. I think it’s a fascinating place, and needs to be experienced by me.
“Failing that, Morocco. I want to see the mosaics, the colours, the designs. I have a few books on Morocco, and it’s getting to be irresistible.”
What was the last book you read?
“A Pirate of Exquisite Mind: The Life of William Dampier. The story of an under appreciated man. Apart from being a buccaneer, and circumnavigating the world three times, he had an amazing interest in, and accurate documentation of, all the things he saw in nature. He was also an expert navigator, and worked out the oceans’ winds and currents. He bumped into Australia before Cook, and his writings informed both Cook and Darwin on their voyages of discovery.”
What CD is currently in your car?
“I listen to the radio – ABC…97.7 for beautiful music, 720 for fun, and 810 for interest.
…or did you just upload to your ipod/MP3?
“I haven’t got one of those yet.”
Favourite overseas restaurant?
“Harmeedya in Chulia Street, Penang. The best prawn curry and mertaba east of India…in very modest surroundings.”
What WA/Perth restaurant do you keep going back to and why?
“For a quick, hassle free friendly place the ‘Herdy’ on Herdsman Parade. For something classy, unhurried, and with a good menu the University Club restaurant at UWA. It’s good.”
Do you support the Eagles or the Dockers?
“In our house it’s the Cats, so bring on the grand final”