This award-winning film director beats the cold with tea and vodka.
Q Your most amazing Australian journey?
A The Kimberley. We hired a four-wheel-drive in Broome and drove to Darwin. We took the famous Gibb River Road via Tunnel Creek, a 750-metre limestone cave filled with waist-deep water. We waded in the semi-dark to an oasis, then, just before a golden sunset, camped at Windjana Gorge. Next, the Bungle Bungles. Echidna Chasm is a natural ancient rock face as mysterious as Petra in Jordan.
Q Favourite international destination?
A My parents migrated to Australia from Cyprus and I can't get enough of the place. My favourite beach is Konnos Beach, a few kilometres from Ayia Napa, where the crowds tend to gather. The water is so clear and mesmerising. Stay at nearby Pernera Beach Hotel (pernera-hotel.com) to wake to an uninterrupted view of the Mediterranean.
Q You went to Poland with actor Magda Szubanski to film a segment of the SBS series Who Do You Think You Are?. Did the weather hurt?
A The temperature on our day off in Warsaw was minus 17 degrees. Magda and I decided to go for a walk in Lazienki Park - 76 hectares covered in snow. What were we thinking? We stopped for photos at the stunning white palace, got lost and nervous until we found a restaurant - an oasis of afternoon tea and a drop of vodka to thaw out.
Q Your latest Australian film?
A A true story about an Afghan refugee who, after two years in detention, proves his asylum and gets a visa, only to discover that in his absence his younger brother has been killed by the Taliban. It's a difficult subject so I have written a poignant, poetic dramatic film, which I am crowd funding.
Q What's always in your hand luggage?
A Moisturiser, refreshing facial spritzer, noise-cancelling headphones, iPad.
Q Worst ever travel experience?
A Losing luggage on arrival in Armenia, then the early snow arrived. No coat, no woollies, just a computer and handbag. Miserable.
Q Best travel advice?
A Maps, for an aerial pictorial view. Look them up before departing, save links on your computer and get paper maps on arrival. Essential for both orientation and impulsive walking.
Kay Pavlou's crowd-funding project is at pozible.com.
