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. 

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 

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. 

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.