Arrival Gate: Q&A with Johanna Griggs

A five-minute Q&A with Channel Seven personality Johanna Griggs

Arrival Gate
5-Minute Q&A with . . .

Who: Johanna Griggs
What: Channel Seven mega-personality, face of the Olympic coverage, Better Homes and Gardens, Sportsworld, you name it. Also, just by the way, won backstroke bronze at the 1990 Comm Games
Where: Sydney, NSW
Why: Travels more often than most people lace up their shoes  

Favourite escape hatch?
Getting in my car and driving anywhere west of the Blue Mountains. I’ve got a lot of family scattered throughout the Mid West NSW region and love nothing more than trekking out there with my sons. It’s a stunningly beautiful part of the world.

Favourite childhood holiday memories?
Without a doubt, weekends and holidays spent on the farm (not too far from Mudgee). I believe I’m still a bit of a free spirit today because of the experiences during the best years of my life. I might live in the city now, but the dream is to one day have my sons experience the best of both worlds, like I did growing up.

When in town, you make a point of . . ?
In Sydney, my favourite restaurants are Aqua Dining, Cafe Sydney and Cruise Dining, as they’re all on the harbour with the most exceptional views, and I can never pass up Tetsuya’s. I adore catching a ferry from Manly to Circular Quay, bushwalking around Bradley’s Head Point and hanging out at Freshwater Beach.

Best travel tip you ever heard?
For overseas travel, turn your watch to the time zone of your destination and take two melatonin tablets (an all-natural herb that helps you relax) half an hour before wanting to fall asleep. It always works a treat and you don’t wake up drowsy.

Favourite Australian hotel?
I love the showers at the Westin in Melbourne; the baths at the Como; and the views from the Shangri-la in Sydney.

You’re away for four nights – how many pairs of smalls?
Six to eight.

Favourite piece of luggage?
I love all my luggage as long as it actually arrives at my destination.

Most common item left at home?
My sanity.

Hotel mini bar: raid, replace or don’t touch?
I’m a big raider and am happy to admit I have no self control at all. Just ask my accountant.

Favourite moment: takeoff or landing?
Definitely landing. Then I know I’m one step closer to being home.

Person you wish you could sit next to?
Patrick Dempsey who plays Dr Shepardon on Grey’s Anatomy. He’s my lusty man on telly at the moment.

Airline food: love it or hate it?
Love it. Always have and probably always will. I’ve thought about this a lot and think I’d enjoy any meal that someone else makes for me. It doesn’t happen often.