CLARE KAMBAMETTU – ROSE OF TRALEEin conversation with
GENEVIEVE CARBERY
What’s your earliest holiday memory?
A picnic on Omey Island, just off the coast of Connemara, with my mum and big brother, Madhu. I can remember the tuna sandwiches and cocoa!
What was your worst holiday?
Maybe it was one of the first times I went back to India as a teenager. I remember being quite upset by the poverty and feeling very shell-shocked and home sick initially. However, I love going back there now and it’s an incredible place to explore.
What was your best holiday?
It’s hard to pick, but probably a recent trip to the US recently during which I met president Obama. However, another fabulous holiday was snorkelling in the Whitsunday Islands off the coast of Queenland, Australia, on Christmas Day a couple of years ago.
If budget or work were not a restriction, what would be your dream holiday?
Am I allowed to say a year travelling around the world? I would love to go everywhere from China to Hawaii! If I had to pick just one destination it would probably be Peru, so I could climb Machu Picchu among other things.
If you had your pick, who would you bring on holiday with you?
All 63 of the 2010 roses and escorts. They are actually the best craic in the world. I was lucky enough to be in New York with some of them in March and I can’t describe how much fun it was.
What’s your favourite place in Ireland?
Galway, city and county. I spent all of my childhood holidays there as well as four years at university. It’s actually where I am planning to move when my year as the Rose of Tralee ends.
Your recommended holiday reading?
At the moment I have a Paulo Coelho novel in my handbag, I love his books and there is always another one that I haven’t yet read. Although if I’m in a soppy mood I love Georgette Heyer’s offerings – her heroines are always super independent and smart. They make for very easy reading wherever you are.
Where will you go to next?
At the moment I am in Sydney and I have been travelling around Australia for the past month. I think a trip to the US may be on the cards over the summer, and I’m planning to go to a warm sunny spot somewhere in Europe in September in between handing over to the next rose and starting my PhD.
* The 2011 Rose of Tralee international regional finals will take place in Portlaoise this weekend, roseoftralee.ie