The world according to Liz Cleere
Mountain/Desert/Ocean/Jungle... which one are you?
Ocean, of course. Still, I like variety and am at home in mountains, cities and jungles too. I used to dislike the desert because the dust made me ill, but on a trip to Wadi Rum recently I "got" why people love it so much. If I had to stay in one place it would be by the sea, with mountains close by and near a buzzy town; Fethiye in Turkey just about fits the bill.
What was your first great travel experience?
My earliest memory is lying in the back of an open top car, with the gentle kiss of a warm wind on my face; I'm looking up into the night sky at the stars. Mum tells me we had a convertible Morris Minor when I was a baby and I used to lie on the back seat in a carry cot, as she and Dad whizzed around Britain. I was around 18 months then.
What has been your favourite journey?
That's like asking if I prefer chocolate or chips! There have been many, but for me it is usually the latest, so that's wandering around Darjeeling and Sikkim.
Mind you, I won't forget the 4,500 mile sail from Turkey to India in my own boat in a hurry.
What are your Top 5 places worldwide?
London, my place of birth, will always be in my heart. The coasts of Sudan and Eritrea. The Eastern Himalaya: Sikkim, Nepal and Darjeeling. Turkey. Jordan.
Recommend a special place to stay
Just one?? Dekeling Hotel, Darjeeling for real homestay hospitality and hotel comfort in one. The service is 5 star and the atmosphere cosy and welcoming.
Which three items do you always pack?
My hypothyroidism pills. Kindle. Notebook.
Which passport stamp are you proudest of?
"The holder of this passport has been granted a liquor permit" from Gujarat, India.
Which passport stamp would you most like to have?
Antarctica (actually, anywhere south of the Equator...)
Where or what is your guilty travel pleasure?
Radio 4 on the laptop if I'm anywhere near wifi.
Window or aisle?
Window. If I'm in economy (which I am nowadays, unless I's lucky enough to be given an upgrade), I pile pillows, jumpers and blankets against it and usually manage a half decent sleep. I also prefer to be the disturber, rather than the disturbed in the aisle seat. And who doesn't like a nice view?