1. what’s your favourite holiday destination.

One of my favourite destinations is Lagos in southern Portugal's Algarve region. There I have been at my most relaxed enjoying its  harbour, vast beaches, turquoise sea waters and ochre-coloured sandstone cliffs. Lagos is steeped in history with 16th-century walls enclosing the old town's narrow cobbled streets, piazzas and churches. It has some great restaurants with terrace seating and a vibrant nightlife. If you are ever lucky enough to visit, you must eat the traditional Algarve seafood dish called the cataplana. It is served in a large pan, also called a cataplana, with variable ingredients including clams, mussels, prawns, and white fish. Absolutely delicious. Also, go to the dramatic setting of Cabo de Sao Vicente. For what it's worth, you can then say that you've been to the most southwestern point in Europe. 

2. Any travel tips you’d like to share ?

Two travel tips I have learnt through experience. Travel tip one: when overseas go out of your way to meet local people. This will enrich your travels. Travel tip two: don't overly concern yourself about the things you can't control or things that may go wrong. I learnt the value of these travel tips on a European trip many years ago. I thought I would behave like a local and made the decision to purchase train tickets for myself and three mates speaking in French (footnote: I do not speak French). Quite proud of myself on receipt of the tickets we successfully boarded the train on what we thought would be a short trip to a town called 'Sarrebourg' in north-eastern France. We finished up many hours later arriving in the city of 'Saarbrucken' in Germany. After some  friendly banter from my mates and time to reflect, I understood the importance of travel tip two. It's all part of the adventure.

3. When your cooking at home - whats your go to dish ?

I can't go past cooking Mongolian lamb hot pot, sounds exotic, taste's incredible. A go to family favourite through the Geelong winter months. Although if the truth be told, my most consistently cooked dish is 90 second quick oats, my three children love it. I must add that the Lloyd family grew up on mum's decadent slices right out of The Australian Women's Weekly. In the off-season months, I relived my childhood and made some of my old favourites, mint-chocolate cheesecake, hedgehog, and cranberry and nut nougat. But we just so happened to be visiting the famous Chilwell Fair over Summer where we purchased a small box of classic chocolate caramel slices. They were incredible Barb. Can I please have your recipe? 

4. Whats the most used app on your phone

I couldn't live without Spotify. I have always incorporated music into my everyday life. My eclectic tastes have rubbed off on my kids who are all under twelve. This is something I am very proud of. On a recent family car trip along The Great Ocean Road they took turns choosing songs from the app. They played everything from The Beatles, Led Zeppelin, Nirvana, and Eurythmics to Flume, Macklemore and Foo Fighters. My job is done.

5. where are you sending people -

I often send people visiting Geelong to The Dome. Set in the heart of Geelong's cultural precinct, The Dome (Geelong Library and Heritage Centre) is a grand, iconic piece of architecture. Its futuristic dome structure has a spectacular prominence as you drive into the heart of town and has been likened to an egg, a big brain, and even something from Star Wars. Once inside, my wife and I have experienced talks from some of our finest writers and thinkers and my children want to go there to learn and have fun. Staff are warm, engaging and it serves its purpose of being a community and cultural hub of excellence for the city. 

Simon Lloyd is the General Manager of Football at Geelong Football Club. You can follow the Cats here

@geelongcats

Go Cats.