Returning in the direction of the riad, involving a treacherous route around blind alleyways dodging the motorcycles, a man appeared from out of an alleyway (as if from nowhere) and called as to whether I would like to see the Mellah (old Jewish quarter). I decided to follow this time after, rather tiresomely, agreeing the price and reinforcing it to him quite repeatedly en route. Apparently he was from Jewish stock, but his talk, such as it was, was concerned with the disintegration of the Jewish racial and cultural identity through marriage and integration, and there was, quite patently, not much specifically to see (although it was exciting to go so deep within the warren) and he quickly went onto other subjects (within a minute), mainly concerning my coming back to his house for a smoke, and turning the corner we had arrived there. Entering inside, his wife looked none too pleased at my visit but continued to darn some clothes, while my guide pointed to the open ceiling and the cedar wood it was supposed to contain. Then out came dozens of jars containing dried herbs, crystals, extracts, and bits of Wheetabix, and his explanation of thier uses, involving lots of sniffing, coughing and gestures of the groin. He got out his scrapbook and photoalbum of his former captees, all who seemed to be enjoying the experience far more than I was. These were meant to prove that I like them would wish to purchase some potions, and certified his credentials. He got his wife to daub some henna on my hand which I promptly but inadvertently wiped off, which got him angry at his wife. Then attempting to extract myself, he desperately pleaded for custom, and an increase on the paltry fee we had agreed, for the sake of his 'baby' nestling behind a curtain. Storming out I hit my head on the low doorframe and proceeded away somewhat disorientated. Perhaps I should have acquiesed with the negotiation and 'gone with the flow', but I have no tolerance for quackery or misleading effontery.

The publicity shot with the rose juice.

The business card of Roger Liddle, Esq., in whose eminent footsteps I had followed.