Jetsetting with ... Essilor’s Alexander Vi

SINGAPORE — As Marketing Director (Asia Pacific, Middle East, Russia and Africa) of the brand behind Crizal Transitions lenses, Alexander Vi believes in helping visitors with their sightseeing. Which is one reason the acclaimed globetrotting National Geographic photographer, Annie Griffiths, is an ambassador for these glasses.

It’s not just photographers who’ll find the glasses useful. Vi said you won’t see him without his pair of Crizal Transitions Signature glasses whenever he goes abroad. “It automatically adapts to give me the best vision no matter where I’m going — outdoors or indoors — and it offers 360° protection against dust, glare and harmful UV rays.”

Q: Do you have any travel tips for those of us who need to wear contacts or spectacles?

A: To avoid dry eyes on board the plane, travellers should ensure they are well-hydrated by avoiding alcohol and caffeine, and opt to wear glasses.

Q: What’s the best way to soak up local culture?

A: Eat where the locals eat. Even if the staff don’t speak a word of English, you can improve on your non-verbal communication skills and it is one of the best ways to feel the local heartbeat and culture.

Q: Since you travel so much, what are some of your favourite destinations?

A: Topping my list would be Tokyo and Paris. I always had a fascination with Japan growing up — from Astroboy to Sony Walkman. I like hanging out in Akihabara as it’s the centre of anime and manga culture. It’s also a good place to shop for the latest gadgets. I’m a big fan of Studio Ghibli (the animation powerhouse responsible for My Neighbour Totoro, Grave of the Fireflies and Spirited Away.) There’s a good Ghibli merchandise shop selling all the paraphernalia located near Sky Tree. My global head office is in Paris and I usually stay in Bercy where there’s a lovely area of cafes and restaurants serving very good French cuisine called Bercy Village, located beside the Cour Saint Emilion train station.

Q; How about your best sightseeing experience?

A: Seeing for the first time the Great Pyramid of Giza, walking down the Valley of the Kings and being face-to-face with the boy King Tutankhamun’s mask and standing at the entrance of the temple of Ramesses at Abu Simbel. I grew up reading about Egyptian history, so to finally see and touch all the history was surreal. It exceeded all expectations.

Q; Any weird quirks that you have while travelling?

A: I have a bad habit of late-night snacking. I cringe when hotel rooms have a fully stocked mini bar of snacks and chips like Lays, Pringles and chocolate bars. I can’t resist. I’d eat them all, then feel really guilty. Since the bar is restocked every day, the cycle continues until it’s time to leave!SERENE LIM