KASBAH 

I meet with the taxi driver Said at the port of Tangier. He is my designated driver for the next couple of days. I am on a cultural roadtrip, exploring the kingdom. Ahead of every big crossing I toss the diram coin. That’s how we decide whether to make a right turn or take a left. The Atlas mountains rise far in the distance. As I enter the Kasbah I can sense the logs still glowing from last night. The gigantic rustic leather covered doors in combination with the clay walls create an ambiance from the past. An oil burner leaves a pleasant scent of woody notes. A woman in a long white linen kaftan passes by, leaving subtile notes of white honey, vanilla and amber. 

PURPLE HAZE 

This is also where the story begins with me and Keenak. I had already spent a few seasons in Key West and was getting to know the locals. Only a few yards away this eccentric character was passing by, just outside my favorite coffee shop in Bahama Village. Guitar on his back, snake skin boots, skinny jeans, black silk shirt open all the way down to his belly button. Add to that: layers of necklaces, bracelets and headband under his trademark, a black feathered hat. Who was this man? Was he an old hippie, a survivor from Woodstock? Or maybe a rockstar? I was captivated and knew I just had to meet him again. I started to ask around the town for clues. They told me he was a busker living on a boat. Others said he was a talented musician with a special liking for booze and psychedelic substances, sleeping rough under a bridge.

CHINESE TOBACCO 

It is long after midnight and the neon signs light up the dark sky in Terengganu, Malaysia. I am close to the chaos of the city, but it is quiet here in the park. I am surrounded by old, gigantic trees, enormous vegetation and tree crowns. I open the doors of the wooden building and enter the traditional Chinese restaurant. The air is filled with wonderful aromas from the kitchen area. A man is sleeping in his chair while resting his head on the table. A group of men is playing cards while smoking under the fluorescent light.