Read the book: «Food and Travel Through the Eyes of a Millionaire. Book 2»

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ISBN 978-5-0067-0564-7 (т. 2)

ISBN 978-5-0064-9717-7

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PROLOGUE

The introduction to this book will not differ from the introduction to my first book “Food and travel through the eyes of a millionaire”, in which I shared with you the letters of my friend Nael during his travels in Italy, the Caribbean and the Bahamas.

I have already written that the idea of writing this book was born while I was working on my dissertation. In my research I conducted a diagnosis of the emotional state of women during pregnancy and after childbirth in order to identify factors that act as predictors of the onset of symptoms of depression.

A pregnant woman came to me for one of the consultations, whose symptoms of depression were determined during the diagnosis. The woman said that a few weeks ago she was diagnosed with a stomach diseases and the doctor prescribed a strict diet. Most of all, she was upset that she would not be able to eat her favorite dishes for the next six months. I voted for myself one of her statements, which she noted in the Oxford Happiness Questionnaire: “I can see beauty.” At that moment I remembered my friend Nael and suggested that she make every eating special by beautifully serving utensil using the best and favorite dishes. “Let every meal not be inferior to a visit to a Michelin restaurant, because serving any dish can be made special by having a creative approach”, – I recommended. At the next consultation the symptoms of depression were not identified.

My friend Nael wrote to me a few years ago: “Food is the best thing in life” and recommended reading the book “Life is meals” (James Salter & Kay Salter). Indeed, food is the fastest and easiest way to enjoy life, and a balanced diet is one of the ways to prevent symptoms of depression. I want to share with you another book that Nael recommended to me to read – “The Science of Cooking” (Dr. Stuart Farriamond).

My friend Nael is an extraordinary man. He is a traveler, a true gourmet and a connoisseur of beauty and art. He is a man with a very interesting philosophy of life, because he considers every day of his life to be his birthday. This man has retained the ability to sincerely enjoy every moment of life. Even now, as I write these lines, his lively and sparkling gaze stands before my eyes. A lively mind and an inexhaustible interest in life is the key to longevity.

I am planning to write a series of books in which I want to share with you the letters that I received from Nael during his long-term travels. It will be a journey through fascinating countries through the eyes of a millionaire. I will show you the most beautiful places, interesting routes, the best restaurants and hotels that my friend chose. And since my research into the causes of depression symptoms led me to the idea of writing this book, then, as a psychologist, on the pages of this book I will share with you some of the ways to prevent depression.

In the epilogue to my first book, I promised to tell you about Nael’s journey to Moscow, about our meeting, about his trip to France and Colombia, so I am pleased to invite you to a new exciting journey.

I hope that this book will lead you to joy, harmony and inspiration, because traveling always expands our consciousness and changes our perception of the world.

The photos presented in the book are kindly provided by my friend Nael. The book contains only a small part of the huge collection of beautiful photographs that Nael shared with me.

Thank you for the inspiration and for the wonderful photos, my dear friend Nael!

PART I

Moscow

2019… Nael wrote to me that he was going to come to Moscow in May. Back in 2009, when we talked in Cuba, he said that he wanted to visit Russia. And finally, he received a visa and plans to spend about a month in the capital.

The last time I saw Nael was in June 2010 in Tallinn. In 2011, I got pregnant and got married, and in 2017 I got divorced… I haven’t seen Nael nine years… During these years he sent me his photos from all over the world. His letters always gave me positive emotions and, like the artist’s brushes, sometimes added bright colors to my gray everyday life. I’ve always looked forward to photos from his travels.

And on the pages of this book, before starting the story about France and Colombia, I want to tell you about our meeting with Nael in Moscow.

First day in Moscow

Nael arrived in Moscow a week earlier and came to the airport to meet me.

A week ago Nael wrote me his first impressions of the capital: “Actually quite surprised of how neat and clean the city is. It’s one of few capitals that looks so shine! I think most of the visitors will share the same view. What a good governance of Moscow. It’s a true seat of an empire… Long and wide boulevards, grand buildings and palaces, Kremlin and Red square… elegant squares and parks… very glad to finally come to Russia”. And more: “Every day I am exploring a new area within the circle road, and I am amazed of how clean, well preserved buildings, elegant squares, wide pavements, long roads, fancy shops, many theaters… and flowers of spring. I am enjoying every moment here”.

I got my luggage and went to the exit. I was very worried… After all, I haven’t seen a man in so many years… In nine years, both he and I have changed…

Nael stood in the middle of the arrival hall. He looked, as always, very elegant. Looking at him, you can immediately note the impeccable taste.

I approached him and he kissed me on the cheek.

– I am so glad to see you, – I said.

– Welcome to Moscow! – he answered, smiling.

He took my suitcase and we headed for the exit.

Nael gave me a present. I will spend a week in Moscow at the Ritz Carlton hotel, which is located in the heart of the capital, near Red square.

In the book “Life is meals” (James Salter & Kay Salter) I read that on June 5, 1898 the Hôtel Ritz opened in Paris on the Place Vendôme. The lavish dinner and reception had drawn the richest and most socially prominent people in Europe, though rain prevented admiration of the gardens. Every last detail of construction and decor had been overseen by César Ritz, for whom the hotel and its perfection had been a cherished dream. Born in a small village of wooden houses in Switzerland in 1850, Ritz began his career at the age of seventeen as an apprentice wine waiter at the Hôtel des Troisouronnes in Brig. He was finally advised by the owner to try something else, as it was clear he was not cut out for hotel work. In ten years he rose to manage large hotels and over the next twenty made his name known throughout the world and synonymous with service, elegance, and style. Also central to his success was the idea of having is hotels serve outstanding food. A loyal clientele followed him from city to city, and the Prince of Wales, who especially favored him, is reported to have said, – “Where Ritz goes, I go”.

– Welcome to your home in Moscow, – Nael said, opening the door of the luxurious suite. He booked interconnecting rooms. – “I think I made the right choice, and this is the best hotel in Moscow near Red square. I need your passport to complete the registration. In the meantime, you can get some rest, in fifteen minutes the car will come for us. I made a reservation at the Turandot restaurant”.

Our first dinner with Nael was in one of the beautiful halls of the restaurant Turandot. Very beautiful and luxurious place in the capital, the interior is similar to the Palace halls.

The restaurant was busy and a little noisy but despite this, I enjoyed it. It was like being in a fairy tale…

After a wonderful evening in the restaurant after midnight we continued our communication in the living room of the hotel.

– Maria, you probably already tired and want to go to the shower? – Nael asked me.

– Yes, with your permission, – I said. I didn’t know how to handle a situation like this… This was my first time…

I unpacked the suitcase, took a shower, and when I returned to the living room to wish Nael good night, he was gone. I left a note on the table in the living room, thanking him for a wonderful evening.

The second day in Moscow

The next day we started with lunch at the restaurant Doctor Zhivago, and then went to explore the sights of the Kremlin, cathedrals located on its territory and walk through the streets of old Moscow.

Fig. 1. The outdoor terrace of the restaurant Doctor Zhivago.

I was very pleased and interested in the company of Nael. He charged me with his endless optimism and love of life. He just exuded confidence and serenity. There is no fuss in his thoughts, movements, actions. He clearly knows what he wants at the moment and enjoys every moment, trying to enjoy every minute that lived. Nael a real connoisseur of beauty. He has great taste. He is elegant in everything. I felt safe with this man, the bustle was gone, and the surrounding space was in harmony. I definitely have to learn from Nael to enjoy every moment of the day, to stop fussing and enjoy everything, even the simplest things.

Fig. 2. The Tsar Bell. Nael.

When we returned to the hotel after another lovely dinner at the restaurant, Nael took my hand and escorted me to his bedroom. I had no passion for him, but I definitely liked this man. I admired his gallant manners and his confidence. Everything he had at the highest level, and it was attracting. I was fascinated by him. And I was grateful to him for the fabulous time that I spent with him. Because of him, Moscow seemed magical to me. And in this fabulous charm of the moment you can fall in love.

Falling asleep in my bed, I thanked fate for such a wonderful gift.

The third day in Moscow

I slept very well at that night. When I opened my eyes, the sun was already making its way into the room through the tightly closed curtains. It was about ten o’clock. It was a beautiful sunny day. Nael woke up around noon, then he needed personal time to get acquainted with the current news, solve business issues. Nael and I agreed to meet in the lobby around three o’clock, so I had enough time to have breakfast and walk around the center of the capital…

I left a note on the table in the living room for Nael, thanking him for the wonderful, magical time that we spent together yesterday afternoon, evening and night…

For breakfast I chose black tea with milk. The day before, Nael had discovered a very pleasant combination of black tea with milk and honey, and I decided to hold a similar tea ceremony every day. In addition, the ceremony now reminded me about Nael, and there was even a sense of his presence, which added to the ceremony a special elegance and sublimity. I liked that feeling. Tea with milk and honey seemed unusually tasty to me.

Walking through the streets of old Moscow, I looked into a bookstore and bought William Shakespeare’s novel “Romeo and Juliet”, decided to read this romantic story in my spare time. I was in the right mood. Sitting on a bench and reading a story about two lovers, I got real pleasure. Warm rays of the may sun warmed, and the butterflies on garlands above the head, decorating the street, shimmering from the sun rays, created a fabulous atmosphere.

At the appointed time we met with Nael in the Ritz Carlton hotel lobby. He sat at a table in an elegant black jacket and smiled. My feelings for him became warmer, and he seemed to me not so distant and alien, and became much closer. I was fascinated by him.

It was raining outside at that time, so we decided to stay for lunch at the hotel, and then we had plans to visit the famous St. Basil’s Cathedral and visit the expositions of the State historical museum. As soon as we finished our meal and went outside, the clouds cleared away, and above us stood a high blue sky and the sun was shining, inviting for a walk.

Fig. 3. Assorted fish. The restaurant of the Ritz Carlton hotel.

The day passed quickly. For dinner we had a table booked at the restaurant Yar. At different times this restaurant was visited by Chekhov and Kuprin, Gorky and Leonid Andreev, Balmont and Bryusov, Chaliapin, artists Vasnetsov Brothers, Levitan, Repin, Vrubel, Serov… The restaurant has preserved the interior of the Soviet era. Today, in addition to dinner at the legendary restaurant, we were waiting for the show program. It was nice and interesting to return to a long-gone era.

Fig. 4. Honey cake. The restaurant Yar.

Returning to the hotel closer to midnight, we again continued to communicate in our living room. We shared our emotions during the visit to the Cathedral, Museum and show program in the restaurant, discussed Russian cuisine and made plans for tomorrow.

– Good night and sweet dreams, dear! – I said, kissed Nael on the lips and went to my room.

Today was another magical day for which I am grateful to Nael and fate, I thought, falling asleep and feeling a sweet kiss on my lips.

The fourth day in Moscow

It was the fourth day of my stay in Moscow. Today we had plans to visit the Tretyakov gallery and get acquainted with the Bolshoi Theater. I can say that I was looking forward to these two events.

I wanted to visit the Tretyakov gallery, because I love painting. I was interested to see the original icon of Andrei Rublev “Holy Trinity” and famous paintings by Aivazovsky, Repin, Shishkin, Vasnetsov, Brullov and other Russian artists. And until today I have never seen ballet (except on TV). I have always admired the beauty, grace and fragility of ballerinas. And the dance itself seemed to me the pinnacle of choreographic art, and the feelings of the characters conveyed in the play seemed so sublime that my soul involuntarily reached for the comprehension of beauty.

I have already realized my mistake by combining my visits to these two events in one day.

– You will not be able to fully experience and enjoy the emotions received from viewing beautiful paintings, they will be replaced by others. A lot of impressions for one day, – said Nael.

And now I was absolutely agreed with him. You should not hurry anywhere, you need to fully enjoy what you see… And this applies not only to the current situation. This rule applies to everything. It was kind of lesson to me. But the tickets are bought, and it was too late to change something…

I started my morning with a tea ceremony and then went to the Red square. Today there was to be a concert dedicated to the Day of Slavic writing and culture. Before the concert, I managed to visit the shopping arcade of the Main Department store in Moscow and once again took photos of St. Basil’s Cathedral, which we visited with Nael the day before.

Fig. 5. Breakfast. Hotel Ritz Carlton.

We met with Nael in the hotel lobby about three o’clock and went for lunch on the outdoor terrace of the Four Seasons hotel. After lunch, we decided to walk to the Tretyakov gallery. I just admired how quickly and easily Nael oriented in an unfamiliar city. He was my guide, and I just followed him.

For two hours we looked around all the halls of the Tretyakov gallery. Nael a real connoisseur of art. And I enjoyed not only watching the pictures, but also his presence nearby. I was interested in watching his emotions and pleased to share my impressions.

For myself, I have already noticed that our tastes coincide with Nael in many ways.

For myself in the Tretyakov gallery, I particularly noted a few works. And of course, I couldn’t help but notice the dramatic plot in the painting Repin “Ivan the terrible kills his son.” The canvas depicts a father distraught with the realization of the crime and a calm, peaceful son. And remember the canvas Flavitsky “Princess Tarakanova.” The painting depicts a woman waiting to die during a flood in the prison cell.

We left the gallery at half past six. There was only half an hour before the performance, we had to take a taxi so we wouldn’t be late for the ballet. And we were lucky, we drove up to the Bolshoi theater exactly five minutes before the performance.

It is difficult for me to put into words all the splendor that appeared before my eyes when I entered the hall. The Bolshoi Theater is one of the most beautiful theaters in the world!

The perfomance was on the historical stage. The plot of the ballet “love Story” is based on a very old legend about love, described in the poem “Khosrov and Shirin” by Nizami Ganjavi, a classic of Azerbaijani poetry. Love appeared as a test of the human spirit. Each of the characters was an internal struggle between the choice of a compromise solution and a feat in the name of love and people.

Unfortunately, due to lack of experience, I chose not the most successful places, but, despite this, I had the most pleasant impressions from the first visit to the Bolshoi Theater and ballet.