Gary Silipa in Rio de Janeiro. Photo / Supplied
Gary Silipa curates the Bradley Lane Illuminated, event on April 13 in Glen Innes Town Centre. It features outdoor murals created by some of New Zealand's best street artists.
What was your greatest holiday? Backpacking with my wife across South and Central America for six months in 2017. We started in Argentina and ended in Mexico, passing through 15 countries. It was an incredible experience, from spending Easter Friday at Christ The Redeemer to climbing to Machu Picchu. We travelled mostly by bus, which was a great way to see each country.
And the worst? We gave ourselves a day to get between two cities catching local buses in Guatemala. A trip that would take just a few hours if you could drive there directly. It was disastrous. Traffic jams, hours of walking along the main highway through the countryside in the hot sun, no water, catching multiple buses and we only got halfway! We arrived very late to a small town on the last bus and spent the night in a dubious motel.
If we bump into you on holiday, what are you most likely to be doing? Looking for art — books, art galleries, museums, public art.
If we could teleport you to one place in New Zealand for a week-long holiday, where would it be?
Invercargill. I drove down from Queenstown once and spent one night there. I visited Johnny Penisula and another friend DEOW. I'd like to spend more time exploring the city and surrounding areas.
How about for a dream holiday internationally? Mexico or Japan. I spent two months on an artist residency in Tokyo and would love to go back. Mexico for the food and to practise my Spanish.
What's the dumbest thing you've ever done when travelling? Not paying attention and having our passports stolen right in front of me during breakfast at a backpackers in Bolivia. Someone found them abandoned at the bus station and handed them in to the police, saving us a lot of grief.
Complete this sentence: I can't travel without ...
My Bible, a roll of vinyl, a small pair of scissors, and a marker pen.
What's the best travel tip you've ever been given?
When in doubt give the locals a shout. They have inside knowledge that can save you time and money.
What was the most memorable meal you've had while travelling? Last year we went back to Samoa with my dad for his last trip home. It was special to watch how much fun he had with family around the table for meals. Lots and lots of laughter.
What's the best thing you've brought back from a trip? A Miami Heat singlet for my nephew bought from an NBA game in Miami. He loved it and wore it for years.
Favourite airport to land at? Auckland. It's always nice coming home.
What's the next trip you've got planned? Brisbane for the NRL Magic Round with friends. Auckland Warriors fans since day one.