Mark Keogh

When I’m, not at work or travelling, I’m…

Looking after my little girl.

My favourite team is…

Portsmouth FC.

On my round the world trip, I spent longer than expected in

Malaysia.

Which place exceeded your expectations on your travels and why?

I would have to say Indonesia. Firstly the people are so welcoming, always interested in having a chat. The chance to get off the beaten track and explore the rural parts is so easy, and a must. The opportunity for culture, fantastic beaches, wildlife and adventure all on your doorstep.

What are your top 5 must-pack items?

Lonely Planet, sleeping bag, camera, sun cream and a sense of adventure.

What was your first great travel experience?

Travelling around Australia and New Zealand on the Oz and Kiwi experience.

What are your top 3 places in the world?

Malaysia, Indonesia and Costa Rica.

Which is your favourite beach, where is it and why?

Cable Beach - Broome, Australia.

Which passport stamp are you proudest of?

Bolivia.

Where/what would you like to visit?

The Himalayas.

What is the weirdest thing you've eaten while abroad?

Scorpion.

What’s the best/worst thing you’ve eaten on your travels?

Mongolian chicken on the back streets in Borneo.

Have you ever worked abroad? If so explain.

I spent a year working and travelling around Australia and about ten months in New Zealand. When I first arrived in Australia, I was working two hours inland from Perth on a farm, hay carting. From there, I moved up to Broome, where I worked on the pearling fishing boats. I worked a couple of days in Darwin setting up and pulling down the stage for an Elton John concert, as well as various seasonal work in South Australia. In New Zealand, I worked mainly within the vineyards of the Marlborough region but did also try my hand at mussel opening in Whitianga, on the north island.

Have you experienced culture-shock, if so, where/where was the place you found to be most different from home?

Bolivia.

What’s the funniest/strangest thing that’s happened to you abroad?

Sleeping 3km from the crater of Mt Bromo in Java and it erupting.

If you had just 24 hours in a big city which one would it be?

San Francisco.

What’s the best party you have been to while travelling?

Songkran in Kanchanaburi, Thailand.