Бесплатный фрагмент - Food and Travel Through the Eyes of a Millionaire

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Our eventful day we finished with Nael in the restaurant of Japanese cuisine Nobu. And it was the perfect end to another magical day in Moscow.

The fifth day in Moscow

The next day we went to walk along one of the oldest and most famous streets in Moscow — the Old and New Arbat. Old and New Arbat appeared at different times, as a result of which Old and New Arbat are radically different in their architectural design. Walking through the Old Arbat, we looked Pushkin Museum. In the house number fifty-three on Arbat Street once lived a Great Russian poet with his family. I love the works of Alexander Sergeyevich. I still remember in a memory Tatiana’s letter to Onegin, which I taught at school. In memory surfaced line from the letter:

“Another! … No, no one in the world

I wouldn’t give my heart!

It is decreed on high…

That is the will of heaven: I am yours;

My whole life was a pledge

The faithful’s rendezvous with you;

I know you were sent by God,

To the grave you are my guardian…”.

After a walk through the famous streets of the capital, we went back to the Bolshoi Theater. Today we expect familiarity with new stage. At seven o’clock we bought tickets for the opera “Iolanta”. This is another stories about love, which tells the story of a young blind girl who, thanks to love, acquires vision. Just a great play of the orchestra and actors. In some moments I could not hold back tears, so penetrated into my soul this touching story. I came out of the theater under a very great impression, emotions just overwhelmed me, and the world around seemed to me shrouded in love.

For dinner we went to the restaurant Twins Garden. I loved the dinner at this restaurant and the food and service — everything was top-notch. We even made a rating of restaurants of Moscow, and Twins Garden took at us on these indicators the first place.

From the restaurant we decided to walk. After a beautiful day full of the most delightful emotions and impressions, Moscow night looked fabulously and very romantic.

Falling asleep in the room, I could not thank fate for such a beautiful day.

The sixth day in Moscow

Today we have planned to visit the Novodevichy monastery, which is dedicated to the blessed Virgin Hodegetria. Unfortunately, the reconstruction works were carried out in the monastery, so it was not possible to make beautiful photos and visit all the temples that are on its territory. We were able to go only to the Church of the assumption of the blessed Virgin. By tradition, I left a note to commemorate the health of my children and family.

After the monastery we went to the ancient Novodevichy cemetery, than we walked to the Kazan railway station, crossed Leningradsky Avenue, walked along the Moscow River and in the late afternoon were in the new business district — Moscow city. I don’t like skyscrapers and high-rise buildings, I have seen a lot of them in Hong Kong and Chicago, but it was necessary to assess the new business center of the capital.

Our walk took about six hours. It was a very busy day, my legs were buzzing with fatigue, and I wanted to sit down and relax as soon as possible.

For the evening, Nael booked a table at the White Rabbit restaurant, which is considered one of the best restaurants of Russian cuisine in Moscow. Today was Sunday and the restaurant was crowded. The food was excellent. I really liked the rabbit pate with black truffle and the calf tongue in cherry dough with morel sauce, which I ordered. I ate everything with great pleasure.

For myself, I wrote down the dishes and desserts that I tried in restaurants during this week, and which seemed to me extremely tasty. And what I tried out at dinner tonight is on that list.

For me, this week has become a kind of wonderful gastronomic journey in the wonderful company of a true connoisseur of Haute cuisine. Thanks to Nael, I changed my attitude towards food. I began to pay attention to details that I did not attach importance before. Food, acting on all our senses, can sometimes be considered a real work of art. Thank Nael for my introduction to the beauty…

“Food is the best thing in life!” — told me once Nael.

One more day of my stay in fabulous Moscow is over. These six days were so rich, there was so much information, new experiences and emotions. And the most important thing that I want to note, in the company of Nael everything was at the highest level. Maybe that’s why Moscow seemed so fabulous to me.

The seventh day in Moscow

Today we had planned a visit to the Church of Christ the Savior. I always watch on TV festive divine services for Christmas and Easter, which are held in the temple. These divine services are conducted by Holiness Patriarch Kirill, and always very solemn and beautiful. I was interested to visit this place and to feel its atmosphere.

The Church, which exists today, is a reconstruction of the temple of the same name, built to commemorate the victory of the Russian people in the Patriotic war of 1812 and destroyed during the Soviet era. The temple is simply magnificent. Its interior is an undisguised delight. It is an undoubted decoration of the capital.

I bought candles and put them to the icons of the Virgin, St. Nicholas and Archangel Michael. I prayed at the icons and thanked God for his generosity to me… Came out of the temple with incredible ease in my heart.

After visiting the temple, we went for a walk along the Moscow River. On one of the piers we got on the river tram flotilla Radisson Royal. Our river trip lasted for an hour and a half and ended at the hotel Ukraine. We decided to go inside the legendary hotel. The hotel building, made in the style of Stalin’s Empire, is impressive in its size.

When Nael and I entered the hall, we were struck by the luxury of the interior. This is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful hotels in Moscow. Its only disadvantage is the distance from the center of the capital.

We decided to relax in the lobby bar. It was windy on the river and I wanted to drink a cup of hot tea. We made the order and plunged into the pleasure of the beautiful atmosphere. At the black piano sat a pianist and played classical music. Fragrant tea and beautiful music created a great mood.

When we left the hotel, it was nine o’clock. Today Nael reserved a table for dinner at the Insight restaurant, which is located on the eighty-fourth floor in the tower in Moscow city. From the panoramic windows of the restaurant there was a breathtaking view of the night capital strewn with lights, and the food that I ordered was extremely tasty.

We left the restaurant after midnight and decided not to call a taxi, but to use the Moscow metro this time. It was very unusual and at the same time somehow romantic to be at this time of day in an empty subway.

We spent another beautiful day together with Nael. The week passed quickly, and tomorrow evening I will return home.

Falling asleep in my bed, I was sad that today is my last night in Moscow, in this hotel…. And it was sad to part with Nael, but in my memory will remain pleasant memories and charm of his elegance…

“Elegance is not to be noticed, it is to be remembered”.

Giorgio Armani

Last day in Moscow

I woke up early. I decided to pack a suitcase and walk to the Pushkin Museum of fine arts. Nael visited it’s before my arrival and recommended me to see his collection of paintings, sculptures and other works of art. I had plenty of time before my scheduled meeting with Nael, and after the morning tea ceremony I went to the museum.

In almost two hours I managed to get around all the rooms of the museum and noted the biblical scenes in Italian Renaissance painting. I walked around the hall with these works of Italian art twice. As soon as I left the museum, a message came from Nael. He was waiting for me in the hotel lobby.

We decided to go for lunch and then go down to the subway. I promised to show Nael some of the most beautiful stations of the Moscow metro. Nael ordered a taxi for me to the airport at five o’clock, so we had enough time to carry out our plan.

— I think that tomorrow at dinner I will miss your company. This week I am used to having lunch and dinner together, — said Nael when we made the booking at the restaurant.

— I’ll miss your beautiful company, too. Wonderful fabulous week! Thank you! — I answered.

After a lovely farewell dinner we went down to the subway. In about an hour we had time to see some of the most famous stations, and at exactly five o’clock we returned to the hotel.

We went up to the room, Nael took my suitcase, the taxi was already at the entrance.

Nael embraced me and I thanked him again for the wonderful gift — a magical week in fabulous Moscow.

When I went to the airport, I felt incredibly happy. Wonderful memories of a fabulous trip to the capital will stay with me forever!

Concluding my story about my trip to Moscow, I want to share a recipe for a delicious honey cake that I ate at the restaurant Yar.

Honey cake

Ingredients for cakes: 60 gr. butter, 1 cup sugar, 2 tablespoons honey, 2 tablespoons vodka or cognac, 1 teaspoon baking soda, 3 eggs, 3 cups flour.

Preparation: Put a saucepan with water on the stove, put a bowl in it, where melt, stirring, 60 grams of butter, 1 cup of sugar and 2 tablespoons of honey. Stir for 2—3 minutes. Then add 2 tablespoons of vodka or cognac and 1 teaspoon of baking soda, mix. Beat 3 eggs separately and pour into the hot mass, stirring continuously. The mass should turn white and increase by about two times. Turn off the stove and add 3 cups of flour, mix. You will get a yellow mass, which you can cool (in the freezer), and then put on the table, having previously poured flour on the table. Mix and divide into 10 parts. Rolled out cakes (it is better to roll out on parchment paper immediately and do not remove them) spread on a warm baking sheet and bake in a preheated 180 degree oven for 3—4 minutes.

Ingredients for the cream: 1000 gr. sour cream, 400 gr. sugar, vanilla. Beat it up (add sand gradually). Grease the cakes with cream and leave to soak for a day or overnight.

You can decorate the cake by sprinkling with chocolate chips or crumbs from the cake.

Sour cream and honey

And since I am talking about sour cream, I want to share with you the recipe for a sour cream dessert that Nael told me about.

For cooking, you need to take a jar of sour cream and leave it for a short time without a refrigerator so that the sour cream becomes room temperature. After that, add a tablespoon of honey to the sour cream, mix everything thoroughly and enjoy.

The Way of the Long-lived

As in the first book, I will make a small digression from the journey and recipes. Lately, I have often watched and read interviews with Alexey Moskalev, a Russian biologist, doctor of biological sciences, professor of the Russian Academy of Sciences, a leading gerontologist who runs his channel “The Way of the Long-lived”.

Recently, the results of the 1st International forum “The Way of the Long-lived” were published, which summarized the recommendations that I discussed with my friend Nael:

1. Nutrition for longevity

Modern science offers clear dietary recommendations for healthy longevity:

The basis of the diet should be vegetable products: vegetables, fruits, legumes and whole grains.

It is important to stop eating when you feel 80% full stomach.

Meat consumption should be limited to 5—6 times a month in portions of 85—110 g.

It is necessary to ensure the intake of at least 25 g of dietary fiber daily.

Regularly include foods with anti-inflammatory properties in the diet: olive oil, dark chocolate, berries.

Special attention is paid to the diet. Interval fasting according to the 16/8 scheme is considered effective (16 hours of fasting, 8 hours window for eating) or weekly calorie restriction to 500 kcal on one of the days (however, it is important to remember about contraindications).

2. Physical activity

An optimal exercise program should include three components:

Strength exercises to maintain muscle mass.

Cardio training for the cardiovascular system.

Flexibility exercises to maintain mobility.

Recommended amount of activity: 180 minutes of moderate intensity or 75 minutes of high intensity per week.

3. Healthy sleep

Quality sleep is a fundamental factor of longevity. The main recommendations include:

Maintaining a stable sleep pattern.

Ensuring complete darkness in the bedroom.

Maintaining a temperature no higher than 19 degrees.

Refusal to use gadgets 2 hours before bedtime.

Limit caffeine intake in the afternoon.

4. Stress Management

For effective stress management, it is recommended:

Practice “deliberate calmness” — conscious alternation of periods of stress with rest.

Take regular breaks of 5—10 minutes every hour.

Limit the information flow to 30 minutes of news in the morning.

Practice breathing techniques 5 times a day.

Use the “worry time” technique — allocate fixed time to think about problems.

5. Maintaining the health of the gastrointestinal tract

Intestinal health directly affects the aging process. It is recommended to follow the 5R program:

Remove — exclusion of trigger products.

Replace — replenishment of enzymes and nutrients.

Reinoculate — support of healthy microflora.

Repair — healing of the mucous membrane.

Rebalance — maintaining the achieved results.

6. Preventive diagnostics

Regular health monitoring should include basic tests:

General and biochemical blood tests.

Lipid profile.

Thyroid hormones.

Metabolic markers.

Indicators of inflammation.

Vitamin D levels.

7. Annual research

It is include:

Ultrasound of the abdominal cavity and thyroid gland.

Fluorography.

Body composition assessment.

Functional tests.

8. Promising geroprotectors

Modern science identifies several particularly promising substances for slowing aging:

Urolitin A (found in pomegranates and walnuts).

Taurine (from seafood).

Ergothioneine (mainly in mushrooms).

Physetin (in strawberries and apples).

9. Psychological aspects of longevity

Psychological well-being plays an important role in healthy longevity. Recommendations:

Develop gratitude and optimism.

Maintain social connections.

Practice forgiveness.

Create flow states through meaningful activities.

Cultivate awareness.

Set reasonable goals.

Nael wrote to me: “I certainly agree with all the recommendations mentioned, and I personally been following them for such along time. Even though, I put “Healthy sleep”. Meaning deep good quality sleep as number one on the list. When you wake up after long deep sleep, freshness and willingness for life is what feel. The opposite is when you start the day with bad quality or not enough sleep.

One very important recommendation is missing from the list; That is avoiding all different kinds of smoking and use of tobacco, along with avoiding consumption of alcoholic beverages”.

All of the above recommendations are relevant for the prevention of depression, so follow them and be healthy!

PART II

Rome

After Moscow Nael went to Rome, he wrote: “I am here to take my car which I have left from last year journey. On Thursday I will drive to France. For the time being I am enjoying Rome…”.

The next day Nael wrote again from Rome: “Still enjoying what best of Rome has to offer… Lunch on Via Veneto… Dinner at Imago a Michelin star restaurant and my favorite in Rome”.

Nael also shared his favorite dishes from his favorite osteria in Rome — Osteria Siciliana.

France

Nice

“My home in Nice… Hôtel Le Negresco — an iconic place in this elegant city”, — wrote Nael. Nael considers Nice one of his favorite cities in France. The climate in Nice is Mediterranean, favorable for recreation throughout the year. There are about 300 sunny days in the city per year.

Le Negresco Hotel is a famous neoclassical luxury hotel in Nice, a symbol of the Cote d’Azur. It opened on January 4, 1913, and is named after its founder, Henri Negresco, a Romanian by birth. Famous guests include Coco Chanel, Ernest Hemingway, and Marlene Dietrich. In 2003, the hotel was included in the list of architectural state of historical importance in France.

Nael also sent photos of the first dining experience in France at Le Chantecler a two Michelin stars in hotel Le Negresco.

Paris

A couple of days later Nael wrote from Paris: “Arrived in Paris… good weather, luxury accommodation, and tasty food”.

Nael chose a Shangri-La Hotel to stay in Paris. He stayed in the apartments of Prince Roland Bonaparte. Nael wrote: “…the apartment is one of the most elegant suites that I’ve stayed in. It occupies the whole first floor as you can see the facade with my little red car. Other great hotels and suites includes Burj al Arab in Dubai, and Ritz-Carlton in Vienna”.

The Shangri-La Hotel is a five-star hotel located in the sixteenth arrondissement of Paris, on Chaillot Hill. It occupies the building of the former palace of Prince Roland Bonaparte, listed as a historical monument of France. It is a five-minute walk from the Eiffel Tower, a ten-minute walk from the Arc de Triomphe.

Prince Roland Napoleon Bonaparte was the son of Prince Pierre Napoleon Bonaparte (1815—1881) and Eleanor Justine Ruflin (1832—1905), and the grandson of Prince Lucien Bonaparte, brother of Emperor Napoleon Bonaparte. His daughter, Princess Marie Bonaparte (1882—1962), was a French writer, translator, psychoanalyst, student of Sigmund Freud and one of the pioneers of psychoanalysis in France.

For a whole month Nael sent me photos of iconic monuments in Paris, tasty food in a typical bistro and dinners at Michelin-starred restaurants.

Here is the list of Michelin-starred restaurants in Paris that Nael has chosen to visit:

Restaurant L’ARPEGE (three Michelin star).

Restaurant Le Prè Catelan (three Michelin star).

Restaurant Le Burgundy (one Michelin star).

Restaurant Le Taillevent (one Michelin star).

Restaurant Maison Rostang (two Michelin star).

Restaurant Le Gabriel (two Michelin star).

Restaurant L’Abeille (two Michelin star).

Restaurant Le Grand (two Michelin star).

Restaurant Le Meurice (two Michelin star).

Restaurant La table de L’Espadon (two Michelin star).

Restaurant Apicius (one Michelin star).

Restaurant Epicure (three Michelin star).

Restaurant Le Cinq (three Michelin star).

In the book “Life is meals” (James Salter & Kay Salter) I read the information that the Michelin guide was first published as a twenty-page volume in 1900 by the Michelin Tire Company in the early days of auto travel and was intended to help the motorist by identifying gas stations, repair shops, and hotels along the route, Eventually, restaurants were added. In 1931 its cover changed permanently from blue to red, and a rating system of stars, initiated in 1923 to refer to comfort and price levels, was evolved to designate the best restaurants. There are approximately thirty inspectors-all men and specially trained-who work full time to update the listings every year. To make sure they’re not recognized, they’re never assigned to go back to the same place within an eight-year period. They identify themselves as Michelin inspectors only after their meal or hotel stay, when they ask questions and examine kitchens. Of the stars-one, two, or three-that Michelin awards outstanding restaurants, it is said that one will provide the owner with a good living and three will make him rich. But there’s more than just where to eat and sleep; the guide also features the number of inhabitants of the city; its distance from Paris and closer cities; the most important sights; and for the five hundred largest towns, a map that locates not only the hotels and restaurants but also the post office, hospital, train station, airport, and even museums, sports facilities, and noteworthy views. There’s a section on regional wines and even a listing of French school holidays so you can avoid traveling at that time.

louvre

On July 14, French Independence Day, Nael sent photos from the Louvre and wrote: “I have been told that it would take around three hours to see the magnificent museum, but it took five hours strolling around the huge ex palace, the biggest in Europe and still haven’t finished seeing the whole thing! It’s the biggest museum that I’ve been to so far and the richest in terms of the treasures that it holds”.

Since 1797, Leonardo da Vinci’s Mona Lisa, which is one of the most famous paintings in the world, has been on permanent display at the Louvre.

Musee d’Orsay

Many travelers, planning a cultural program in Paris, tend to visit the Louvre. However, just a kilometer from the Louvre, there is an equally remarkable the Musee d’Orsay. Hundreds of works by 20th-century European artists are on display here, including masterpieces by Monet, Van Gogh, and Gauguin, which can take hours to inspect.

Final day in Paris

On July 23, Nael wrote: “My final day in Paris! It’s time to move on to explore the rest of the country”.

Paris is undeniably beautiful! I am concluding my story about Paris. I remembered my trip to Paris in 2009 and decided to write to Nael: “You know, fifteen years ago, on the day we met, I had flown to Havana from Paris. When I was walking near the Eiffel Tower, I didn’t want to climb it alone. I thought that one day I would return to this city and climb the Eiffel Tower with my lover. I dream of a kiss on the Eiffel Tower. I dream of kissing you there, the man of my dreams.

***

You are the man of my dreams.

Elegant, handsome, smart.

There is no such man in the whole world anymore.

You are special to me.

You are the only one, just you.

I want to be with you in Paris, Nice, Rome, Monaco, Moscow.…

I want to be with you.

I want to be even closer to you.

You are the man of my dreams.

You are close and dear to my heart.

I’m ready to go to the ends of the earth with you…

You are the man of my dreams.

There is no such man in the whole world anymore.

For me, you are the best, special.

You are the only one, just you”.

In the book “Life is meals” (James Salter & Kay Salter), which Nael recommended to me, I read information about the Eiffel Tower: “The Eiffel Tower was intended to stand for only twenty years when it was built for the 1889 World’s Fair, Though it always had its admirers, others scornfully referred to it as the tallest flagpole in existence. Guy de Maupassant called it a ‘giant and disgraceful skeleton’ and ate his lunch underneath it every day, because that was the only place in the city where he didn’t have to look at it. When it came time to pull it down in 1910, it was saved by the development of the telegraph, which required a tower. Ten years later, it barely survived a request from the construction industry to melt it down for its iron. Only in 1964 did the French decide to keep it for good, designating it an historic structure. Maupassant, if his royalties were sufficient, could avoid looking at it today by dining at one of the most famous restaurants in Paris, the Jules Verne, stylish and animated, often booked months in advance for its food as well as its exceptional view from the second tier of the tower, more than four hundred feet above where he used to have his lunch”.

Onion soup

For the first time in Paris I tried onion soup and I want to share with you a recipe for its preparation.

Ingredients:

▪ Butter — 50 gr.

▪ Olive oil — 1 tablespoon

▪ Onion — 2 kg.

▪ Thyme — 1 teaspoon

▪ Sugar — 1 teaspoon

▪ Beef broth — 1.5 liters

▪ Flour — 1 tablespoon

▪ Dry white wine — 150 ml.

▪ Brandy / cognac — 3 tablespoons

▪ French baguette — 6—12 pieces

▪ Garlic — 1 clove

▪ Hard cheese, grated, 1 cup

Preparation:

We take a large saucepan with a thick bottom, put butter in it, add olive oil. We cut the onion into half rings (it is recommended to cut it not across the onion, but from the base to the top). Put all the chopped onions in a saucepan and cook over medium heat. Stir well. Thus, cook the onion for 5—8 minutes, add the fragrant thyme. Remember that the onion does not need to be fried, the temperature should be such that the onion languishes on the stove and does not burn. Burnt onions will spoil the taste of the soup. Next, reduce the heat to a minimum, cover the pan with a lid and cook the onion for another 20—30 minutes. Stir occasionally. We wait until the onion is soft and golden. Remove the lid, increase the heat again to medium, add sugar and simmer the onion again until it turns brown. It may take 20 minutes.

At this time, in another saucepan, bring the beef broth to a boil. Add flour to a saucepan with onions and cook, stirring, for a couple of minutes. Gradually add the hot broth, wine, brandy (cognac), salt and pepper. Bring everything to a boil, cover with a lid and cook the soup on the lowest heat for another 15 minutes. The base for French onion soup is ready. The base can be kept in the refrigerator for up to three days to make onion soup when needed.

To put the onion soup together, we prepare croutons. Preheat the oven to 150 degrees and thoroughly dry the pieces of French bread. Then rub the resulting crackers with garlic and sprinkle with grated cheese. Preheat the grill to maximum. Pour the soup into 6 heat-resistant plates, put two or three croutons in each, cover with cheese, and place under the grill. As soon as the cheese starts to fry, we take the plates out from under the grill. Serve soup on the table.

Reims

“Reims (pronounced ghanss in French) — one of the oldest cities in France, it’s cathedral is where the French kings used to be inaugurated in before they set into the throne. Notre Dame cathedral has the most beautiful Gothic facade that I’ve ever seen. Reims is the capital of champagne region, is where champagne bubble drink originated and still produced in a unique way… Even the Russian tsar visited this region in 1717”, — Nael wrote.

In Reims Nael chose to visit two Michelin-starred restaurants:

Restaurant L’Assiette Champenoise (three Michelin star).

Restaurant Le Park (two Michelin star).

Nancy

In early August, Nael wrote from Nancy: “Nancy, Lorraine is a city with an amazing beauty and fascinating history. It was ruled for six decades by the deposed polish king Stanislav Leshchinsky as a duke! He could not retain his throne back because Russia was in apposition of his return. He turned the center of Nancy into one of the most beautiful squares in Europe. Elegant neoclassical buildings including a hotel in which I am staying, opera, museum, and city hall surrounding the city square from all sides and a statue of him in the center, also other fascinating buildings and churches in Nancy and Lorraine”.

In Nancy Nael chose to visit the restaurant La Maison dans le Parc (one Michelin star) and the restaurant Le V’four.

Strasbourg

Nael went to Strasbourg after Nancy. He texted: “Strasbourg is a unique city in the history of Europe. Capital of Alsace region was the center in the conflict that lasted centuries between two major powers, France and Germany. Now it’s considered the capital of Europe and symbol of peace. Everything here makes you feel you are in Germany; the architecture, language, and food”.

Nael chose these restaurants to visit in Strasbourg:

Restaurant La Casserole.

Restaurant Maïence.

Dijon

The next destination on the trip was the city of Dijon. Nael wrote: “Dijon, the capital of Bourgogne (Burgundy) with its world fame of red wine producing. Rather small compact city with a marvelous fine arts museum. There are many shops that sells the famous mustard it produces from the mustard seeds which grow in the surrounding area”.

In Dijon Nael visited the restaurant Loiseau des ducs (one Michelin star) and the restaurant L’Aspérule (one Michelin star).

Lyon

“Lyon the capital of Rhône-Alpes region an ancient city with two thousand years history since the Roman time, at the confluence of two rivers, one is the mighty Rhône river. Has a reputation for its good Lyon cuisine”, — Nael wrote from Lyon.

In Lyon Nael chose three restaurants to visit:

Paul Bocuse Restaurant (three Michelin stars).

Restaurant Auberge de I’Ile Barbe (one Michelin stars).

Restaurant Villa Maïa (one Michelin stars).

“The legendary chef Paul Bocuse Restaurant (three Michelin stars) — the place looks like a temple and he is like a guru, his name and pictures are everywhere in Lyon”, — wrote Nael.

Côte d’Azure

“French Riviera is a very particular place in terms of nature beauty. It has been ever been visited by visitors from Britain, Russia, and now from all over the world. I love this area from the first time I visited years ago, and still love it! My favorite city has always been Nice… and still. I feel so relaxed in this lovely city, and enjoy strolling along its promenade, the most beautiful in France”, — wrote to me Nael.

During this period Nael chose to visit these Michelin-starred restaurants:

Restaurant Joel Robuchon (one Michelin star).

Restaurant Jan (one Michelin star).

Restaurant La Passagére (one Michelin star).

Restaurant Le Cap (one Michelin star).

Restaurant MC bay (one Michelin star).