mPokket CEO can't wait to take a spa-cation in Thailand, wants to plan a family vacation around Cherry Blossom season in Japan

Gaurav Jalan, CEO & Founder, mPokket indulged in some experimental cooking during the lockdown.
Travel bug
“My wife has a passion for travelling and over time that has rubbed off on me and my daughters. We plan at least two long vacations a year where we visit at least one new destination, with a few mini-cations planned at short notice thrown in. So once restrictions are eased, I will definitely be planning my next vacation. I love eating out and will definitely be doing much more of that once the situation normalizes.”

Next holiday
“Japan is up there on my holiday list. I have heard a lot about it being a beautiful country, with beaches and mountains, and how unique the culture is. The Cherry Blossom festivals there are supposed to be quite a delight. I would love to plan a family vacation around that. Domestically, a trip to Rajasthan is long overdue. It’s a unique experience with its deserts, forts and temples, and not to mention the fantastic food.”

Self-care
“I am a fan of spa treatments. Hopefully, once restrictions are lifted a mini spa-cation will be possible; ideally in the mountains. Thai and other South East Asian cuisines are some of my favourite foods. PaPaYa in Kolkata offers up some really good dishes. There Sushi is especially good. I can’t wait to go back there for a sumptuous meal.”

Inadequate bandwidth
“Running a fintech business with our headquarters in Kolkata and our technology team in Bangalore, remote coordination and WFH have always been an integral part of my work routine and our company culture. So my home office is adequately set up with a spare screen, chargers, etc. But during the lockdown, we got an additional broadband connection. With the kids studying online and both me and my wife working-from-home, one connection was simply not enough. “

Food and fitness
“I did indulge in some experimental cooking during the lockdown, but I am not sure I can call it a hobby. I like to run at least a few times a week. During the lockdown I also started doing online work outs on Cure Fit. I find the instructors very good and have now built this into my daily morning routine. Most of the work outs I do are free hand and I sometimes use dumbbells. So I don’t have much need for any fancy equipment, other than a good pair of running shoes. I currently use Adidas.”