The first thought that comes to mind in the last months of the year is the one that makes you remember the celebration of the last New Year and Christmas. Where, one wonders, the New Year came from again, when the old one was celebrated almost yesterday. And it was as if the Christmas tree with toys was not so far removed, but it was not possible to link the warm sweater as a gift to the beloved, and after all, it was in plans from last year. And how did our grandmothers manage all this? After all, they did not have washing machines and dishwashers, refrigerators, running water with hot water and Head & Shoulders shampoos. They themselves made soap, cooked meals, washed and raised children, while managing to cross-stitch, knit snow-white tablecloths and lace shawls for cousins, write letters by hand (!), Pen and ink with numerous relatives, regularly visit tailors and go to the water ...
Could it have been easier before? And time did not rush as fast as now? Or maybe we ourselves simply do not give ourselves the opportunity to take a timeout and look around. We are the hostages of civilization, and there is perhaps nothing wrong with that. Only now the saying "You cannot embrace the immensity" becomes more and more relevant, but it’s a pity ...
We have the same 24 hours in a day. But, if you do not think all the time about the problems of the global financial crisis (it’s unpleasant, of course, but not fatal, because somehow people lived before the creation of financial exchanges, that means they will find a way to come up with an alternative) and global warming (it is necessary to save the planet, but not it’s worth turning your whole life into a fight with something or against someone else), not spending 2/3 of your time in various chats, maybe there will be little left to create something “reasonable, kind, eternal” ...
After all, there are still people in the world who sewed exclusive shoes by hand more than 100 years ago, and now they sew, they cultivated vineyards and made luxurious wines, and now they continue to write smart and good books and songs, and today they are ready to read and listen to millions. We talk about some of these people and their creations on the pages of this New Year’s issue; the rest will be discussed in the first issue of the 2009 magazine. Looking at their faces, you understand that they are different. Yes, they probably also care about the issues of the global financial crisis, but they live, as if in a different dimension and invite us to slow down for a moment, listen, take a closer look.
Incidentally, Dubai, during the months remaining until the end of the year, will meet the most famous Russian musicians, artists, businessmen and politicians in their hospitable land. And, despite the crazy rhythm of business life, the city still retains a certain slowness inherent in the East. He also gives us the warmth of his sea, traditional cordiality and hospitality, the best resorts with world-class spa centers. November and December in the UAE is the height of the tourist season, and when, if it’s worth trying to take a break from the hustle and bustle, put your thoughts in order to meet the new year with renewed vigor (and yet, it is not clear when they managed to rush for almost 300 days , right, mysticism). And even if you decide to spend your New Year holidays not here, anyway - with the upcoming holidays. And try not to rush, let time also rest a little.
Sincerely yours,
Elena Olkhovskaya
Chief Editor
