To the East and back

Went on a trip on Saturday. A trip into the pleasures of the middle east - and of relaxation.

It didn't take long to get there: pleasures - and surprises - are closer than one would expect. Just off the Canal, basically.

Sweating was never so enjoyable as in a Calidarium smelling of spices and quasi-blind of vapour. When the Algerian lady appears to take you to the next stage of regeneration, it feels like coming from a dream. True, the subsequent scrubbing experience could never be mistaken for a dream, but it's the outcome that matters, isn't it?

Relaxation with mint tea and dried fruits, massage with jasmin oil and a second descent into the secrets of the hammam to let the essential oil penetrate the regenerated skin. Where am I? Where was I going?

But here I am, back on earth, long nights, long drinks, and - most of all - a long way to go to reach my destination. Or to fail.