Singer Michael Ball on his most memorable travel experiences, from eating a bull frog in Shanghai to a terrifying flight through a storm in Malaysia
Michael Ball registers in our travel Q&A
This week, singer and actor Michael Ball takes part in our Travel Q&A.
He talks about a holiday in Cornwall at the age of five, his first trip abroad to Sardinia, why Saint Lucia is his dream destination – and more…
FIRST HOLIDAY MEMORY?
When I was about five my parents took my brother and I for a bucket and spade holiday to Newquay, Cornwall. My dad even rented a surfboard and did his best with it, despite the lack of waves during our stay.
FIRST TRIP ABROAD?
Sardinia circa 1970. We stayed at the recently opened Forte Village and had a fantastic time. It was all an exciting experience for me, including getting on the plane and being rewarded with the window seat. We climbed to reach a temple on top of a hill and spent time on the beautiful beaches. Brilliant.
PREFERRED FOREIGN DESTINATION?
Catherine [Michael’s partner] and I love Mallorca and have been visiting for five years, apart from 2020. We discovered a wonderful villa in Port d’Andratx. It looks greener than the rest of Spain and is so diverse. I love the people, the food, the beaches and the villages.
THE STRONGEST THING you have eaten while traveling?
In Shanghai I visited a traditional Chinese restaurant and ate bullfrog – it was disgusting.
WHAT ARE YOUR DREAM HOLIDAYS?
Cathy and I are beach people. We would be staying in a villa with all the amenities of a hotel without a cloud in the sky. You can’t beat Saint Lucia. In 2019 we stayed at Sugar Beach and it was the perfect dream vacation.
Michael once ate a bullfrog – and said it was “disgusting”
Michael says his dream destination is Saint Lucia. He went there in 2019 with his wife, Cathy
WHAT CAN’T YOU BE WITHOUT?
My Kindle. I’ve been known to read a book about it every other day.
EVER HAD A SCARY THEFT?
To welcome the new millennium, I sang in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, and stayed on Pangkor Laut Island. We had to go back to the international airport for the return trip, but the plane used must have been as old as the hills. A thunderstorm was approaching but the pilot decided to fly and it was terrifying.
- Michael’s new album, We Are More Than One, is now available on Decca Records.
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