People

The times of the Empress Dowager Tz’u-Hsi are long finished.

She was a powerful and charismatic woman who unofficially but effectively controlled the Manchu Qing Dynasty in China for 47 years, from 1861 to her death in 1908.

A handsome and tall man, with a green khaki cap receives us warmly. For a few minutes , impressed by the unexpected artistic oasis in the heart of a hutong, we are unable to sit. The beautiful South American woman, brings a tray with Jasmin tea and getting our hands warm we walk around the room among art pieces and contemporary design furniture in red and black lacquer finish.

The imperial-style “lifestyle pavilion’ was honoured for its new Bath House Residence, inspired by a Tang dynasty emperor’s bathhouse – He says – It is uniquely distinguished by its green tea infused pampering, wellness and bathing rituals twinned with Chinese music and art, ancient Chinese wisdom and contemporary aesthetics. Complementing the unique, serene retreat is an indulgent onsen-style rooftop hot tub.

Travel photographers Tom Carter lived in China for the past 8 years, last 2 backpacking 56.000 kilometers across all 33 provinces of China. His book China Portraits of People is N1 in Asia. Check the interview

Tonight we have a reservation at the Ritz- Carlton Pudong , high quality-Cantonese restaurant , Jin Xuang , apparently among the best in Shanghai.

In this spectacular location with high ‘vaulted ‘ceilings and a mezzanine level masterly designed by Steve Leung from Hong Kong, the very best cuisine is proudly showcased as a discerned choice for social and business dinners alike.

I have decided to meet with chef Lok and top executive chef, French Thierry Marais early this afternoon for few questions before I enjoy this overwhelming experience at 8.

Sometimes I find myself daydreaming about that famous day where , far from everyone and transported by…

Every day of diamonds are bought, sold, given, exchanged – stolen! – Admired, worn, all over the world. To gain or to give a diamond is an important step that seals some fundamental moments of life: a promise of marriage, the arrival of a child, the confirmation of a connection of love, or also the personal satisfaction of gaining and possessing a stone for oneself.”

He is one of the world’s few masters of this unique cooking technique based on the finest meats and freshest seafood, the flavors imbued by the woods, fine olive oils and fresh herbs from Las Ventanas’ own herb garden. Check the recipes!

” Perfection in not of this world, they say. Perhaps not, yet that is what we aim for, because my very raison d’etre is to offer you a dream”

Pierre Marcolini

My friend Adriana decided to host a dinner in my honor. She invited her friends and inaugurated the beautiful dining room at her Riad Nour. Among Adriana’s guests, a top haute couture designer Zineb Joundy, from Casablanca, former Comissaire de la Mode in France for Les ‘Temps du Maroc’.

She is Brazilian, the color of her eyes aquamarine and her astrological sign, like mine, an intensive double Scorpio. The Hippie-chic, Boho, Euro-gypsy-glam-girl Adriana Bittencourt is my friend.

Hong-Kong Born Malini, of Indian nationality, reveals to my surprise that she has been designing for over five years a line of accessories, handbags and belts, her forte that have become a favorite with editors at Harpers Bazaar, W magazine and Vogue.