Weekends are all about downtime. After a week full of work to meet deadlines, everybody needs some breather to relax and recuperate. From watching a favourite web series to planning a vacation, weekends are designated as family and me time. Vikas Chawla, managing director, Compass Group India, talks to BrandWagon Online about his weekends, favourite vacation destination and more.
What is the one thing you like to do when not working?
When I am not working, I particularly enjoy vigorous workout sessions. I also appreciate spending time around nature; I feel re-energised and connected when I am outside.
How do you spend your weekends?
I cherish my time spent on weekends with my family. My wife is my best friend and a sparkling conversationalist, with whom I love to chat over multiple cups of tea, and this is our ritual every weekend when I am home. I genuinely have passion for many things that I don’t get enough time for, so I try to utilise my weekend doing things I enjoy, such as solving puzzles, spellathons in newspapers, doing wordle, reading books, and spending time with friends.
What are your favourite gadgets?
Music plays a significant role in my life. Therefore, different speakers that I have in my house would classify working in conjunction with the phone as being my favourite set of gadgets that I am hooked on. I also frequently listen to TuneIn, a global audio streaming service providing news, radio, sports, music, and podcasts. Through that, I hook onto an FM station in Greece that plays music from the 90s to now.
Given the option to choose another career, what would it be?
I would choose to be a travel journalist. Travelling exposes a person to diverse cultures and cuisines and allows them to engage with various people, which I find intriguing. Whoever I am today is partly because of my travels or the places that I have lived. These experiences have imparted invaluable lessons and perspectives that enrich my life.
Which is your favourite vacation spot?
I am particularly drawn to Greece for its scenic beaches and mountain ranges, as well as its rich historical and cultural offerings. My experiences there, from exploring ancient sites to enjoying authentic Greek cuisine, have always been deeply satisfying. There is a special thing in the air there that touches me.
A TV show, a film, and an ad campaign you highly recommend watching?
I would highly recommend ‘Seinfeld’, an American sitcom based on the story of four friends and known for incredible human insights through humour.