The Rev Eamonn Black is a pastor for the Asher Ministries in Clacton. The Christian charity works to help people in the Clacton community, particularly through out-reach work with youth groups. But before he received his religious calling, Eamonn was a Royal Marines commando for 12 years and served all over the world with the Navy. Here he shares his travel experiences with Emma Palmer.

Where’s your idea of travel heaven?

“I have two places that I love, at opposite ends of the scale. One is Gibraltar, which is beautiful and hot. Obviously it’s very English but it’s got wonderful elements of Spain and Morocco, too. Just standing on top of the famous Rock of Gibraltar is spectacular and you can see the crystal clear water of the Mediterranean below with views right across to north Africa.”

And the other one?

“Norway. I was there quite a lot in the Marines, much of the time up near the Arctic Circle but the entire country is stunning. Although it’s cold it’s a dry sort of cold and it’s bright and cheerful. You have to stand there sometimes and just stop what you’re doing as the scenery is so beautiful you have to absorb it.”

What other memorable destinations have your been too?

“Since joining the ministries I’ve spent some time in Romania. It too is a country of extremes, particularly Bucharest. The rich are very rich and the poor are very poor. Some parts of Romania, particuarly in the Carpathian mountains, are extemely beautiful but there are sadly also areas where orphans have to resort to living in sewers.“

If you could have anyone from history to be your ideal travelling companion, who would it be?

“I’d have to say the Apostle Paul simply because I have so many questons I’d like to ask him about his letters and his teachings. He is said to have walked thousands of miles during his lifetime, as one of the first Christian missionairies. He had his conversion on the road to Damascus and it was in the desert that I had my calling. I was serving in North Iraq/ southern Turkey and there in the desert I picked up the Bible for the first time – a book I’d never had the slightest bit of interest in before. I opened it up and my life changed forever. I’m not comparing myself to Paul, but I identify with him in many ways.”

Is there anywhere you’ve been that you wouldn’t want to go back to?

“Yes, without going into too much detail, Somalia. I was there when I was in the Marines and it’s not somewhere I’d like to return to.”

Where haven’t you been yet that you long to go?

“Jerusalem is definitely at the top of the list. I’d also love to go to Nepal to see Mount Everest. Being a former commando I still have that physical ambition in me but I don’t know if I could climb Everest. It would be amazing just to see it, I think.”

Have you ever lost your passport or had any travel mishaps?

“When I was travelling in Hungary I had my wallet stolen at Budapest airport one time. I was stranded with no money, no passport, nothing. It was an experience I would never want to repeat and one I’ve tried to wipe from my memory!”

Where are you off to next.

“I am planning a fundraising climb to Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania. We will be filmed along the way by GOD TV so everyone can share in our progress and be inspired by the views at the top. The trip was supposed to take place last year but was postponed, however it should be happening in the very near future.”