CHRIS ANDREWStells us about his holidays
What's your earliest holiday memory?I've great memories of Donegal as a child. I remember going to the little seaport and village of Burtonport with my family. We would also go to the hotel in Dungloe for the Mary from Dungloe festival.
What was your worst holiday?It's got to be Istanbul about 20 years ago. I was working in England at the time and decided to go away for a winter break. But it was one of the worst winters they had in 40 years; it was freezing. There was also a shortage of fuel and my bags were lost. It was a disaster, and I couldn't wait to get out of there quickly enough. But I always threaten to go back to see it.
What was your best holiday?In about 1987 I went on a working holiday to Nicaragua for three months. It was after the revolution of 1979. The Sandinistas had taken power, and a group of us went over to pick coffee beans in solidarity with them. I stayed longer and helped locals to build a community hall. I got the interest from my father, who was involved in the issue, and Central America was very topical at the time. It was a life-changing experience which I couldn't recommend highly enough. It's the kind of thing all young people should have the opportunity to do.
Where else memorable have you been?In 2008 I went to Gambia on a VSO programme, working with disability groups. I was in Bakau, not far from the capital, Banjul. When it was finished I took some time out; the photo was taken when I went to an area with a lot of boats – to call it a port would make it sound more developed than it is. I met these two fishermen, who showed me around and introduced me to many of the people involved in making a living from the sea. The strong smells were something that was difficult to get used to, and the poverty was obvious, but the human spirit is strong, and they were a very happy, warm people.
If budget or work were not a restriction, what would be your dream holiday?I'd love to do voluntary work in India. It's somewhere I've read a lot of books about. When you are on a working holiday you get to see people as they are, to understand their perspective. You are looking around rather than looking down at people. Voluntary work is not overly stressful, either, so it's a good way to travel.
If you had your pick, who would you bring on holiday with you?I'd be in trouble if I didn't say my wife. But I'd also love to bring my extended family.
What's your favourite place in Ireland?The road from Kenmare to Killarney, in the national park, is stunning, one of the nicest spots in the world. It's an unbelievably beautiful, almost spiritual place. You can enjoy solitude and within a few minutes be in a thriving bustling town. I got to know the area when I was younger and I worked in the Great Southern Hotel.
Your recommended holiday reading?On my last holiday I read a great book, A Thousand Splendid Suns,by Khaled Hosseini. On my next holiday I'll bring The Bankers, by Shane Ross, which I've started but haven't had a chance to finish.
Where will you go to next?I have family in west Cork, and I hope to make a short visit.
- Chris Andrews is a Fianna Fáil TD for Dublin South-East
- In conversation with Genevieve Carbery