Food and travel through the eyes of a millionaire
Book 1
Maria Nael-Prupes

© Maria Nael-Prupes, 2025

ISBN 978-5-0064-9718-4 (т. 1)

ISBN 978-5-0064-9717-7

Created with Ridero smart publishing system

PROLOGUE

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 noted 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.

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 his birthday. This man of mature age 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 travels in Italy, France, Spain, Portugal, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, the Caribbean and the Bahamas. Nael usually spends about six months traveling. 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 first book I invite you to an exciting journey through Italy, the Caribbean and the Bahamas. 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, and the ability to see beauty in the simplest things makes our life amazing and special!

The photos presented in the book are kindly provided by my friend Nael.

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

PART 1

ITALY

ROME

Nael began his journey in 2017 in Rome. He wrote: «This year is the eternal city… Roma. Then to southern Italy and the islands Sardinia & Sisley».

Fig. 1. The Spanish Steps.

Fig. 2. Trevi Fountain.

Fig. 3. The Pantheon.

In mainland Europe Nael, as a rule, travels by car, driving it himself.

Every time he arrives in Rome, he makes a reservation at the Imago restaurant. The restaurant is located in the Hassler hotel on the sixth floor.

«…Great fine dining experience on the top of Spanish steps in central Rome, Imago restaurant… tasty food, superb service, and magnificent views of Roma», – wrote about the restaurant Nael.

The magnificent views of Rome from the panoramic windows are «the icing on the cake», contributing to an exquisite and unforgettable dinner.

Fig. 4. Restaurant Imago (one Michelin star). Rome.

Fig. 5. Restaurant Imago (one Michelin star). Rome.

Fig. 6. Restaurant Imago (one Michelin star). Rome.

Fig. 7. Restaurant Imago (one Michelin star). Rome.

Fig. 8. Restaurant Imago (one Michelin star). Rome.

Fig. 9. Restaurant Imago (one Michelin star). Rome.

Fig. 10. Restaurant Imago (one Michelin star). Rome.

I remember my trip to Rome. Indeed, walking through the streets of this city, you feel its age-old history with every fiber of your soul.

Fig. 11. Rome.

It turns out that carnival is not only held annually in Venice. Carnival in Rome also has its own long history and unique traditions. The first carnival procession took place in Rome on February 9, 1466.

Nowadays for ten days comedy performances, street theater productions, costume performances and horse races are held at the main venues of Rome, such as Piazza Navona, Piazza di Spagna and People’s Square.

Fig. 12. Rome.

Fig. 13. Castle of the Holy Angel.

I attended the carnival in Venice in 2010, which left an unforgettable impression in my memory. And so, one evening in February 2022, I wanted to dream, and I imagined how I ended up at the carnival in Rome. I wrote a short story that I sent to Nael, called «Carnival in Rome», which I want to share here:

«First day in Rome.

I flew to Rome by Alitalia airline and went straight from the airport to the Hassler hotel, which is located at the top of the Spanish Steps. I went into my gorgeous, elegant room and decided not to waste precious minutes. Carnival was taking place in Rome these days, and I had only three days to plunge into the atmosphere of the beautiful eternal city. This time I have carefully prepared for the carnival. I opened my suitcase and took out a sky-blue ball gown, which was decorated with elegant patterns embroidered with gold threads. This dress was like Cinderella dress from my favorite fairy tale. I put on a dress, styled my hair and put on a delicate blue mask with small blue feathers covering the upper part of my face. I bought this mask a few years ago during the Venice Carnival and dreamed of wearing it one day. I looked at my reflection in the mirror. The image was amazing and very similar to the image of Cinderella, who went to the ball at the palace. I threw a white mink coat over my shoulders and left the room.

I went down the Spanish Steps and headed towards the Trevi Fountain. I found myself in a crowd of people, many of whom, like me, were dressed in carnival costumes. I didn’t walk to the fountain. I had a very definite goal. I wanted to throw a coin into the fountain and make a wish. And my desire was also quite definite. I wanted to see my charming prince again.

And now I have achieved my goal. The legendary fountain was right in front of my eyes. I found an empty seat near the fountain and come closer. I took out a coins, squeezed it tightly in my palm hand and made my cherished wish. I threw my coin into the fountain and watched as it slowly sank in the clear blue water and finally reached the very bottom.

«How I want that my wish will come true!» – I said once again in my mind and at that moment a tanned man’s hand touched my hand. I saw a rather tall man next to me. He was dressed in an elegant white suit that fit him perfectly. The rays of the February sun played in his black curly hair with a slight noble gray. I couldn’t see his face because the stranger, like me, was wearing a white Venetian mask.

– Good afternoon! – the stranger said. – «Is this your first time here?».

«I was at this fountain a few years ago, but this is the first time I threw a coin», – I replied.

– How long have you been in Rome? – the stranger asked.

«I arrived just a few hours ago and I have only three days in Rome to feel the charm of this city again», – I said.

– If you don’t mind, I’ll keep you company, and we’ll walk through the most beautiful places together? – said the stranger.

Through the mask, I saw his brown shining eyes and said: «Yes».

We walked away from the fountain and decided to take a walk towards the Colosseum. The stranger offered me his hand so as not to get lost in the crowd. I took his hand and felt my heart beat faster in my chest. Some of the passers turned around and took pictures of us. We turned out to be a very beautiful and harmonious couple.

And so we got to the Colosseum it was already getting dark. The Colosseum is the most famous landmark of Rome and all of Italy. The Colosseum is one of the seven New Wonders of the World and it is the largest amphitheater in the world.

Fig. 14. Colosseum.

We were fabulously lucky, because the «Il Divo» concert was supposed to take place at the Colosseum today. «Il Divo» is an international quartet of pop performers with conservative training and operatic voices, listed in the Guinness Book of Records in 2006. We bought tickets and took the best seats. The incredible atmosphere of the Colosseum and the simply divine voices of the performers flew to my soul. And when the song «Hallelujah» sounded in their performance, tears appeared in my eyes. My companion at that moment tightened his grip on my hand, and I felt incredibly happy.

After the concert we walked down the street lit by the lights from the lanterns and from the many stars shining like diamonds in the black sky. My companion did not let go of my hand. So we reached the Spanish Steps. A stranger suggested that I go up to the Imago restaurant, which is located in the Hassler hotel, where I was staying. Just today he had a table booked at the Imago restaurant.

«This is my favorite restaurant in Rome», – the stranger said. – «I always have dinner in it when I come to Rome. This is one of the best restaurants in Rome».

We sat down at a table by the window. A magnificent panorama of evening Rome opened before our eyes.

I was hungry and ordered «SPAGHETTI AI CETRIOLI DI MARE, VONGOLE E POMODORINI GIALLI» and for dessert «TARTE TATIN DI MELE E CAMOMILLA».

We still haven’t taken off our masks. We saw only the smile and the glow of each other’s eyes. But for some reason we seemed so close to each other.

Dinner was great.

It was a fabulous day. And I didn’t want to part with a stranger. Maybe he read my thoughts and said: «I invite you to my room for a cup of evening tea. I was just staying at the Hassler hotel».

I said: «Yes».

We took the elevator to the same floor where my room was located. I didn’t say a word. We walked down the corridor and stopped at the door to the room that was next to my room.

The stranger opened the door and said: «Welcome, Princess!».

I stopped in the middle of an elegant living room. My stranger came so close to me that I could feel his breath. And at that moment, the hands on the clock that was in the room showed midnight. The stranger brought his hands to my face to remove the mask. And at that moment I touched his curly soft hair to find the strings from his mask. We took off each other’s masks at the same time. And I saw the dear features of my beautiful Prince Nael. At that moment our lips merged in a sweet kiss that made my head spin. Nael took my hand and led me to his bedroom.

That night I didn’t go to my room, but fell asleep hugging my charming prince. I was incredibly happy and thanked God that he fulfilled my wish.

The second day in Rome.

I woke up when the rays of the February sun began to penetrate into the room through the tightly drawn curtains. I opened my eyes and smiled. My charming prince was near. I lay and admired his curly hair, his eyelashes on his closed eyelids. I was happy!

I touched his soft hair and he woke up. I kissed him on the lips and said: «Good morning, my beautiful stranger!».

«Today is your last full day in Rome, my beautiful stranger, and we won’t waste a minute», – he said smiling. – «I already ordered breakfast in the room yesterday. After breakfast we will go for a new walk around Rome».

We drank black tea with milk and honey, I ate a couple of crunchy croissants and went to change into my room.

Today I no longer began to wear a carnival costume, but put on an elegant cream-colored silk dress. I threw a white mink coat over my shoulders and left the room. My charming prince was waiting for me in the lobby. Today he was wearing an elegant black suit.

«How elegant and beautiful he is», – I thought and went up to Nael, took his arm and we went for a walk around Rome.

We reached the Pantheon, and then headed towards Piazza Navona, which is the most beautiful of all the squares in Rome. The whole square is decorated in Baroque style and here you can see the creations of the great Roman architects Bernini and Borromini. The main attractions of the square are three magnificent fountains in the center. After we decided to go to one of the most colorful areas of the city called Trastevere. In Trastevere every street is imbued with the spirit of Italy and there are many places where you can eat delicious and inexpensive real Italian cuisine. We crossed one of the bridges to the other bank of the Tiber river, went to Santa Maria in Trastevere (one of the oldest churches in Rome dedicated to the Virgin Mary) and then stopped for lunch at the Glass Hostaria restaurant. The dinner was wonderful, but the most beautiful thing about this dinner was that my charming prince was next to me.

Fig. 15. Fountain of Neptune.

Fig. 16. Navona Square.

Fig. 17. Navona Square.

After lunch we decided to take a walk to St. Peter’s Cathedral in the Vatican. I really wanted to see Michelangelo’s beautiful Pieta again, whose works I simply adore.

Fig. 18. Pieta. Michelangelo.

We spent this day enjoying the Rome and enjoying communicating with each other. After a long walk we went for dinner to La Pergola restaurant, which is considered one of the most famous restaurants in Rome.

After a wonderful dinner, we went to the hotel to be alone and enjoy the intimacy again.

It was a fabulous two days in Rome. Tomorrow morning I’m going to Bologna for a few days to meet my friend that I haven’t seen for many years. Nael still needs to solve his business issues these days.

The third day in Rome.

I woke up again when the sun’s rays began to break through the curtains. I opened my eyes and felt incredibly happy again. It was the third day in Rome and the third day next to my charming prince. I lay and admired his beautiful image, trying to capture in my memory the features dear to my heart.

In a couple of hours I need to go to the train station. I touched Nael’s curly hair, he opened his eyes and said: «Good morning, my Princess!». I pressed against his hot body, inhaling the scent of his skin.

«I’m so happy!» – I thought and said. – «Good morning, my charming Prince!».

We had breakfast in the room and Nael drove me to the train station. Seeing me off, he said: «In two days I will be waiting for you in Venice, my Princess».

«I will look forward to our meeting, my beloved fairy Prince», – I replied, hugging and kissing his sweet lips tightly. I put into his hands a small note written in the morning on a piece of paper from the notebook of the Hassler hotel and went to my train.

There were only a few lines written on the piece of paper:

«Thank you for these fabulous days in Rome. I am incredibly happy! Love you… Your stranger and the princess… your Maria».

Napoli

«Napoli… the chaotic city! Here I don’t feel I am in Europe, but rather in a third world country. Crumbling buildings, vendors everywhere, crazy traffic, obsolete roads, and lots of racketeering. But there are the grand castles, palaces, churches, majestic volcano, and the pizza… it was invented here», – Nael wrote.

Fig. 19. Napoli.

From the book «Life is meals» (James Salter & Kay Salter), which Nael recommended me to read: «The first pizza ever delivered was ordered by King Umberto I and Queen Margherita of Italy in 1889. Visiting the queen’s family near Naples, they heard about a popular handheld meal sold by street vendors and at open-air pizzerias and favored by the poor. They wanted to try it but were unable to mingle with the masses at the local pizzeria. Instead, Rafaele Esposito, the owner of the most famous one, came to them. He brought the ingredients for three different combinations for the royals to try, but it was the one made with tomatoes, mozzarella, and fresh basil-the red, white, and green of the Italian flag – that most pleased the queen. Esposito named it in her honor, and it gave Naples the reputation of having invented pizza.

Its actual origins were far earlier. The Greeks and Etruscans had their versions of rough bread formed with a raised edge to hold bits of other foods on top. In the first century, the Roman statesman Cato wrote about «flat rounds of dough dressed with olive oil, herbs, and honey, baked on stones.» The essential tomato wasn’t added until fifteen hundred years later, imported from the New World, and those now grown in the volcanic soil near Vesuvius are one of the reasons that Neapolitan pizzas are still considered to set the standard».

In general, if we talk about pizza, then in each region of Italy it has its own characteristics.

Fig. 20. The Basilica of San Francesco di Paola.

Fig. 21. Diner. Napoli.

Fig. 22. Castel Nuovo.

Fig. 23. The Capuan Gate.

south Italy

«The last round of the journey to south Italy includes Reggio di Calabria on the south western tip of the the Italian peninsula, then Lecce on the south east. Both are interesting places to visit, the first has a unique location on Messina strait with a wonderful promenade the best in Italy, locals prefer to stroll in big numbers evening times. The city itself is neat and well kept, especially the main street which lays higher parallels the promenade and intercept with four elegant squares. Lecce on the other hand is different, the main attraction is the old town with it’s treasures of baroque architectures some of the best in Italy. In the daylight it is hot and the streets are empty… while in the evenings it’s fresh and hoards of people roaming it’s alleys and squares», – wrote Nael.

Fig. 24. South Italy.

Fig. 25. A bronze figure from Riache.

Fig. 26. Delicious seafood.

Fig. 27. Italy Square. Calabria.

Fig. 28. Onion and pepper.

.

Fig. 29. Cathedral Square. Lecce.

SARDINIA

Nael wrote me that he had been to Sardinia. He visited Cagliari, which is the administrative center of the island of Sardinia, Olbia, one of the most popular Mediterranean resorts, Porto Cervo, which is considered a fashionable resort in the north of Sardinia, and Alegro, located on the northwestern coast of Sardinia. Nael called Sardinia «a wonderful island».

Fig. 30. Stella Maris Church. Porto Cervo.

Fig. 31. Allegro.

Fig. 32. St. Mary’s Church. Cagliari.

Among the most popular sweets of the island of Sardinia are pabassinas – diamond-shaped, decorated with colorful balls, cookies with raisins and sapa, traditionally prepared on All Saints’ Day, Christmas and Easter, although Sardinians like to cook it at home all year round to offer guests.

Fig. 33. Dessert.

SICILY

«Just finished my journey through this big lsland, the biggest in the Mediterranean.. after visiting the capital Palermo, Catania, Seracuza, Notto, Monreale, and Mondello. It is the hottest area in Italy especially in Palermo. The people for my surprise are not friendly and rather not kind. It’s not just here but all the places I have been too so far in south of the country, contrary to the impression that I used to have about Italians… what a pity», – wrote Nael.

Fig. 34. Sicily.

Fig. 35. The Pretoria Fountain. Palermo.

Fig. 36. The Pretoria Fountain. Palermo.

Fig. 37. The Cathedral of Montreal. Palermo.

Taranto

In the second part of his trip to Italy, which began in 2018, Nael went from Rome to Taranto.

«The location of old town is unique, surrounded by water from all sides. On the north „little sea“ and on the south „grand sea“. On the east and west narrow waterways, linked to land by a bridge on each side. There are a lot of ports including military bases. Very old city from the Greek time who were the first setters. Little foreigners can be seen around… Today I went to the national museum of Taranto which has a great collection of Greek artifacts considered to be the biggest in Italy. One of the best museums in Italy outside Rome», – wrote Nael.

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