OT: How often do you holiday?
Viswanathan Anand: My wife and I do one really
OT: Your favourite destination?
Viswanathan Anand: For the ultimate experience, I would say Iceland. It is so untouched. You just open your window and the splendour is right in front of you. There are, of course, other places I’ve always wanted to see. I’ve already covered Brazil, Mexico and South Africa. Now I’d like to visit Machu Picchu, Patagonia and New Zealand. But my dream is to swim with the elephants in the Andamans.
OT: Your last holiday?
Viswanathan Anand: We just returned from South Africa, and had a great time in the Kruger Reserve. One dark night we even managed to observe a pack of lions trying to steal a leopard’s kill. At Victoria Falls, we started taking pictures filmi style, ruining our camera in the process!
OT: Having made Madrid your base, how often do you holiday in India?
Viswanathan Anand: We’re here 3-4 months a year, and always squeeze in a holiday. Last year, we got hooked to catamaran rides. I like Kerala a lot — it’s instant nirvana.
OT: Do chess and holidays mix?
Viswanathan Anand: On holidays, I switch off my phone and don’t check my mail. When you return from a holiday, your mind works very well. Some of my best games have been after holidays.
OT: Travel advice?
Viswanathan Anand: Walking is a great way to explore a place. Old town-squares have so much character. It’s great to just sit at a café and have coffee.
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