Probably walking, looking around - not at where I'm going. Exploring a museum or exhibition, a place to eat or waiting outside a theatre to see a show. Such a tourist.
What's the dumbest thing you've ever done when travelling?
Was performing a show - a Shakespeare - in Beijing, China. And while walking around exploring Hutong, I decided to cool down with a refreshing iced drink from a hole-in-a-wall vendor. Apparently it had three massive shots of Bacardi in it ... Needless to say it was an interesting show that night.
Complete this sentence: I can't travel without ...
A camera - this one seems obvious. I don't usually take a lot of photos, but I just have to while travelling. And plasters ... heavy duty ones. I am fairly accident-prone so it helps to have some on hand, rather than trying to find a chemist in the middle of a Greek Island while climbing rocks to get a better photo ... for example.
What's the best travel tip you've ever been given?
Take a foldable bag of some description. I throw it in the bottom of my day bag - you never know when you might over-shop or want to have a picnic somewhere and need something else to help carry all the things. Or if your checked baggage is overweight and you need another carry-on bag. Doesn't always happen but saves a lot of stress when it does.
What was the most memorable meal you've had while travelling?
My partner organised a 10-course degustation lunch at the incredible Pied a Terre restaurant in London for my 30th birthday. All the flavours were incredible but the 36-hour slow-roasted beef and the chocolate slice dessert were like nothing I've ever tasted. As was the bill. Once in a lifetime.
What's the best thing you've brought back from a trip?
The Venetian masks I have hanging on my wall at home. They are beautiful, but getting them home was a challenge. Problem 1: they're made of paper. Problem 2: it was pouring with rain for the two days I was in Venice, and Problem 3: they are incredibly difficult to pack. I'm really proud that I managed to get them home.
Damien Avery performs in As You Like It from February 14 to March 11 at the Auckland University Clock Tower, as part of the Auckland Outdoor Summer Shakespeare Festival.
