Exotic Pleasures (Persia and Asia observations)

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...so that the reader may understand what information they can expect from me. The text begins mid-sentence, finishing a thought about the scope of his research. Original Latin fragment: "tias à me expectare poffit, intelligat." Having been appointed as Secretary to the Embassy organized by the most Serene King of the Swedes in the year 1682, I departed from Stockholm original: "Holmiâ" through Finland, Livonia, and Russia to the Muscovite Court in Moscow. Once our business there was settled, I was carried through the regions of Kazan and Nogai Tartary, and having crossed the Caspian Sea, I entered Media. In its capital, Shemakha, A historic city in modern-day Azerbaijan. while our company refreshed itself with three months of leisure, I ventured out on private travels to other places. Summoned to the Persian Court, we were led through Hyrcania and Parthia to the Royal Palace at Isfahan; within its city limits, we lived for two years, while I meanwhile devoted myself to frequent private excursions. Finally, after the embassy was dismissed and I had freed myself from its duties, I considered traveling to Egypt. I was invited to serve as the chief physician original: "archiater" in Georgia and was solicited by various offers of employment. However, I was persuaded by that venerable old man, Father du Mans, Raphaël du Mans (1613–1696), a Capuchin missionary in Isfahan who served as a crucial bridge between European travelers and the Persian court. a Capuchin and Royal Interpreter, to accept an invitation from the Admiral of the Dutch original: "architalaffi Batavorum" who was then blockading the Persian Gulf with his fleet. Having laid down my arms, I proceeded to Arabia, and from there to the lands of the Great Mogul, The Mughal Empire in India. the kingdoms of Malabar, Ceylon, and the region of the Gulf of Bengal. original: "Sinûs Gangetici" Then, following the shores of Sumatra, I arrived in...