PURPLE HAZE
Key West is one of the most inspiring places I know. It is so empowering and plays all my senses and emotions. Swaying palm trees, orchids, beautiful bougainvillea and situated on the most southern tip of the US, only 90 miles from Cuba. The motto of this melting pot is “One Human Family”. This is also where the story begins with me and Keenak.
CAPRI
The beautiful terrain with olive groves and trees surrounding Villa Malaparte. The sun is shining from a clear blue sky. I can hear the ocean below me, I sense the afternoon breeze touching my skin. I take in the aromas of blossoming orange trees and mandarine leaves, feeling the warm rocks with my hands. The atmosphere is serene, almost biblical.
KASBAH
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.
RAINBOW BAR
He produces a brand new bottle of Jack Daniels from his bag. Relieved, I enter the lounge area and push the button of the vending machine for a soda. I return to VS with the can of Coke and say: ”You want ice with that?” There is a moment of silence while he empties the soda into the liquor. ”No, son. But you can drop me off at the Rainbow.”
L'AIR BARBÈS
His compadres are cutting and dividing their evening loads, most likely to be distributed before dawn. “The funhouse” is just too much for me. I look at the Professor and utter “I guess I could do with a ride to Les Bains Douche.” The Professor shrugs but grins. “You sure? We are in the most vibrant area of Paris. Aren’t you interested in some of my
L´air Barbès?”
INVISIBLE POST
Then came early spring. With Kelim rugs and antique wooden treasures balancing on the roof, the vehicle raced through the untouched nature, stopping occasionally for a refreshing dip in a mountain spring.
LA HABANA
I can still recall the different smells lingering like saffron from a kitchen window. The music that was everywhere and the cigars. My friend who worked for a big hotel drove us around in his Cadillac. After the revolution things changed. But on one visit I met a girl and decided to stay. Marry her, have a few kids, you know. I let the ship return to Sweden without me.
