Alain Delon - Самое ценное в нашей жизни

       Alain Delon and I at My "Russian Crown" Dacha in Sochi, 1992


       The Black Sea glimmered like molten gold as the setting sun kissed its waves. From the terrace of my "Russian Crown" dacha, nestled high in the hills of Sochi, the view was nothing short of breathtaking. It was the summer of 1992, a time of upheaval and transformation in Russia, and I was hosting a guest whose presence seemed to transcend the ordinary: Alain Delon.
       He arrived with the quiet elegance of a man who had lived many lives. Dressed in a crisp linen suit, his signature sunglasses masking his expressive eyes, he exuded an effortless charisma. His handshake was firm, his smile enigmatic—a hallmark of the cinematic legend who had captivated audiences for decades. "Your Sochi," he remarked in his unmistakable French accent, "is a dream. A Riviera, but with the soul of Russia."
       The terrace awaited us, its table adorned with the treasures of Georgian cuisine: bottles of Kindzmarauli and Alazani Valley wine, the rich nectar of Kakheti, alongside warm khachapuri and summer vegetables from the garden. The air was perfumed with the mingling scents of eucalyptus and the salty sea breeze, a heady cocktail of nature’s finest offerings.
       As we dined, our conversation wove through the labyrinth of art, cinema, and the tectonic shifts of post-Soviet Russia. Alain’s anecdotes painted vivid pictures: his on-screen chemistry with Romy Schneider, his passions beyond the camera, and his lifelong love for animals. His voice, a mix of charm and introspection, made each story feel like an intimate performance.
       At one point, leaning back with a sly grin, he announced, "Do you know my favorite dinner story?" Before I could respond, he launched into it:
"There was once a French farmer, an old man, who won the lottery and became the wealthiest person in his village. Reporters asked him what he’d do with his fortune. The farmer thought for a moment and replied, ‘Well, I suppose I’ll keep farming until it’s all gone.’"
       Our laughter rang out over the terrace, the kind of unrestrained joy that lingers long after the moment has passed. "The simplest truths," Alain said, wiping away tears of mirth, "are often the funniest."
       As the evening matured, the conversation grew reflective. The glimmer in Alain’s eyes softened. "Do you know," he began, his tone somber, "all the riches, all the fame—they mean nothing without health. It’s the one treasure we only value when it begins to fade."
       His words resonated deeply, carrying the weight of lived experience. I nodded, feeling the truth of his observation. "Health," I replied, "is the foundation of everything. Without it, even the grandest dreams crumble into irrelevance."
       The moon climbed higher, casting its silver glow across the sea. Alain stood at the railing, his gaze fixed on the horizon. Then, with a playful smile, he lifted his glass. "To your love, my friend, and to your unexpectedly magnificent French!"
       The farewell toast lingered in the air, a perfect blend of humor and sincerity.
       When the time came for him to depart, Alain paused at the gates of the dacha. The moonlight outlined his silhouette against the dark expanse of the sea. "Thank you," he said, his voice quiet yet full of meaning. "For reminding me that in a world so vast, the best moments are the simplest ones, shared in honesty."
       As his car vanished down the winding road, I remained on the terrace, the night enveloping me in its quiet embrace. His laughter, his wisdom, and the echo of his parting words stayed with me.
       To this day, whenever I sit on that same terrace, watching the sun sink into the Black Sea, I remember Alain Delon. That summer evening in Sochi was more than a memory—it was a gentle reminder of life’s fragile beauty and the enduring treasure of health.




Alain Delon and I at my "Russian Crown" dacha in Sochi, 1992.
Remember this forever: "The most valuable thing in life is our health!"
Я и Ален Делон  у меня на даче "Российской Короны" в Сочи, 1992 год.
Запомните навсегда:"Самое ценное в нашей жизни - это здоровье!"