My Kind of Holiday: Lauryn Summerley

Lauryn is a soloist with the South African Ballet Theatre. She is dancing the role of Aurora in The Sleeping Beauty, which opened at the Jo'burg Theatre on Friday, September 30.

Where did you spend your last holiday?

My last holiday was in Biarritz, in the South of France - it's on the very beautiful border with Spain.

What was the best thing you did while there?

I'm not that keen on the beach or beach holidays but coming from a particularly cold Jozi winter, I was thrilled to be on the beach in Biarritz.

Your favourite city abroad, and why?

I have a very long list of cities to visit on my bucket list. So far London would be my favourite city! My first visit there was in glorious 30° summer and I saw the city at its best. The parks were green, I adored the historical buildings and the cosmopolitan lifestyle really appealed to me.

What must a first-time visitor see there?

Tower Bridge at night - have dinner on the Thames overlooking the bridge. I also enjoy exploring the quaint side roads in Covent Garden - there are so many weird and wonderful shops to explore and the street performers give the area a special atmosphere.

What should they not bother with?

The Royal Bus Tour, rather go on foot or you will miss out on all the secret hidden alleys and streets.

Which is the worst hotel you have stayed in?

A rather dodgy backpackers' in Kimberley. After a very long bus trip, we checked in to find metal bunk beds with dog blankets, no hot water, awful communal bathrooms, luminous pink sausages for breakfast and weevils in the cornflakes.

Your favourite SA destination, and why?

I love the Western Cape and all the small coastal towns. Few countries in the world can boast the majestic mountains and beautiful coastline we have in SA.

One place you want to see before you die?

I would love to see the world's great ballet companies, so New York for the New York City Ballet and perhaps Milan for the Teatro alla Scala.

Have you had any embarrassing moments as a traveller?

I took a sleeping pill while flying from Johannesburg to Dubai. It only kicked in during the layover in London - I could not keep my eyes open in the waiting area and could barely walk up the passage to board the plane to Dubai.