The Ottoman Empire: follow me on an incredible new journey

Murad and Natalia Osmann are Russia’s most popular travelers, with about 10 million people watching their adventures every day. A few years ago, Murad and Natalia founded the photo series #FollowMeTo (#FollowMeTo ), which instantly gained popularity on social networks. Since then they have visited many countries, organized dozens of exhibitions, published two illustrated travel books and an author’s show on Channel One. We managed to talk to Natalia and find out what helps her recover after long flights, acclimatize to a new country and stick to her diet.

Murad and Natalia Osmann

– Natalia, what helps you recover from a long flight and acclimatize to a new country?
– The best remedy is sleep, at least a short one. If there is no possibility to sleep, and we arrive, for example, in the evening, I take a bath. Yoga saves me in the morning. For general recovery it is important to drink enough water, and the skin needs to be intensively moisturized.

– How do you fight the so-called jet lag?
– We fly a lot and, like everyone else, I have problems with jet lag. Bath, meditation and, of course, it is important to watch your diet.

India. Taj Mahal

– How long was your longest flight?
– 12-13 hours, which is quite difficult to endure. The body is under a lot of stress at high altitudes. I literally fly all the time. Four flights a month at least.

– What do you usually do on a flight? Are there any rules or obligatory rituals that you adhere to?
– First of all, no flight is without cosmetics. I always make masks on board, which I am not ashamed of. Secondly, I always take a book and a player with me. Sometimes an airplane is the only place where I can read in peace for my own pleasure and devote time to myself.

India. Udaipur Square

– Give me a tip: what do you do when you arrive in Africa, America or Kamchatka?
– The first thing we do is go to get to know the locals and the culture. Nothing brings you to the senses and into the mind like welcoming and respecting local customs and traditions – it could be a meal or a ritual that is often done there, or immersing yourself in the culture. Feeling like a local is the best way to recover from a change of place.

Backstage footage

– Do you follow a daily regimen when traveling?
– Unfortunately, there is no way. Travel schedules are usually packed to the minute, and we often have to get up at five in the morning. We not only take photos, as everyone is used to thinking, but we also shoot videos for the YouTube channel FollowMeTo. To face the sunrise and then also the sunset with a big camera crew, you really have to be a very organized person.

– Do you have a certain sleep routine? How much do you need to sleep to get a good night’s sleep?
– The ideal sleeping time for me is 7 hours, maybe a bit more, but with our schedule we can sleep for 4-5 hours as everything is scheduled by minutes. Often we have to sleep wherever we can – on an airplane, in a car or even in the mountains while we are waiting for dawn. The main thing is to listen to your body and give it what it requires.

Hong Kong

– What helps you immerse yourself in the atmosphere of each new place you visit?
– We prepare thoroughly before traveling to a particular country. We always plan itineraries, watch videos, look for information. But there is no substitute for live communication with the locals. I always pay attention to the clothes because they are part of the culture and history of the country. It’s all very inspiring and energizing to do the right thing!

– Do you stick to a drinking regimen and how do you monitor your diet? After all, you probably want to try something new in every new country.
– Yes, I always try to drink as much water as possible throughout the day. It is important to realize that any flight, even a short one, is very dehydrating for the body, so it is necessary to replenish the water balance during the flight and afterwards. As for food, I do not deny myself a good meal, but I always remember not to overeat and try not to experiment. There are times when I forget to eat because of my busy schedule. Most often in my diet is fresh vegetables, meat is almost absent. But I never forget about dessert.

– How do you feel about detox programs that are so popular nowadays?
– I have never tried them myself, as I have always been very slim, I have been doing dancing and gymnastics since childhood. I try not to overeat and eat right. But in a cafe I can drink a detox cocktail.

– How many countries have you been to so far?
– I can’t say exactly how many, but I go to 30 countries a year. Very interesting trips have been to Cambodia, Myanmar, Japan and Cuba.

– Is there any place where you feel most comfortable?
– We love to return to places where we have already been. Such countries include India – always different and so favorite, deep and unique Jordan, and feminine and elegant France.