Copyright Brenda Cox
The alleyway reeks of goat, patchouli and tobacco.
She’s broken from the others, who are straggling towards the square to self-consciously order their Camomile, Russian or Lapsang Souchong teas, and she’s lingering in the doorway of a carpet-trader.
The coach tour was a dreadful mistake; yet another hellish week to go.
A face peers round a roll of flat-weave Kilim at her – the ferrety little man who sits two rows behind.
But probably not for much longer, judging from his expression.
Can it get any worse?
“Be still my beating heart,” he crows nasally.
The answer, plainly, is yes.
Thanks to Rochelle, for another week guiding the Friday Fictioneers through the maze of 100 word stories in response to a photo prompt.
castelsarrasin 
Today I have learned about Patchouli, the oil much favoured by those who like flower power.
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Patchouli is a little heavy for me, but I know it’s very popular.
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Laughing.
We’ve all been here, some of us as ‘the ferrety little man’!
About coach tours, never have, never will…
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Me neither. I’d rather stick pins in my eyes. And I have a thing about eyes
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A holiday from hell. Bognor next year
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Very true.
Thanks for reading.
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Dear Sandra,
I’m trying to imagine those three smells mingling. Eeew (although I’m still a Patchouli fan…holdover from my hippie dippy days 😉 ) It does sound like the vacation from hell. Well written as always.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Yes, quite some ‘bouquet’ as they say. 🙂 Thanks for reading.
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Wow, I’m desperate for a holiday, but maybe not this kind of holiday!!
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Thanks for reading.
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That poor woman! Great story!
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Thanks for reading.
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a creepy little story. Well done.
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Ugh! You have very clearly reminded me why I am zero attracted to bus tours!
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Yep. Me too. Thanks for reading, Dale.
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Holidays to places so different from home can be a dream or a nightmare, sounds like your MC is in the latter. Great wordsmithing as ever, Sandra!
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Many thanks, Jen.
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That’s the trouble with coach tours – too confined!
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Too long, as well. Thanks for reading.
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Wonderful character study of a traveler who has made up her mind she won’t have a good time.
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I think so. Thanks for reading.
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You’re welcome.
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Super story, Sandra! You capture so many nuances in your characterisations. Not a holiday anyone would enjoy – even ferrety little men!
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Many thanks, Penny. I can’t get your link to work, Penny. I don’t know if it’s just me.
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hehe… great scene here. I can imagine the whole scenario… even little “ferret face” man. heheh.
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Thanks for reading.
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Out of the frying pan, into the fire! Oh dear. But she ought to be glad it’s not a world tour.
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There is that! Thanks for reading.
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Yikes. The coach tour from hell. Soetimes, travelling alone has its benefits. Great writing as always.
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Yes, my personal version of hell. Thanks for reading.
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Oh, you made me laugh so hard! The ferrety little man was the cherry on the sundae :). Coach tours? Nope. I always seem to get stuck with a nonstop talker. Maybe it’s the sign on my forehead that says “therapist.”
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Yes, I know what you mean. I’ve perfected the art of keeping people at arms length now, but it used to be a problem. Thanks for reading.
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Oh no! There is one on every trip.
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Isn’t there just? Thanks for reading.
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I’ve been humming and hawing about a coach tour, for ages and your story and the comments have brought me to a decision! No!
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Oh don’t let me put you off. 😉 Thanks for reading.
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You make her frustration so real. Poor woman. What on earth possessed her? Such a vivid snapshot of a moment in time.
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She could bestill his beating heart you know. People go away on holiday, get lost, never return. It happens all the time. 😉 Fun story. And a reminder why when I travel, I prefer to travel alone. Even if it’s a smidge more expensive in time and money, so worth it!
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My dad smelled of tobacco and patchouli. Fortunately, he was a goat shy of the trifecta.
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Vivid description. Ugh… a terrible turn at the end.
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This is great, a real sensory experience!
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My goodness, was it the sight of her that stopped his heart or was he too old to travel in the coach.
Not much holiday fun for her.
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i can relate. not every tour is perfect. 😦
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Very interesting description. But, coach tours can make interesting places a nightmare. I’d rather not travel I think. I felt her angst. Nicely done!
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I laughed. This is so funny and clever. You led us right to the slaughter. One of your best (and that’s saying a lot).
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Well this is an experience…not to be repeated, I’m sure! Yikes!
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Oh boy, poor woman!
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Lots of colour and atmosphere here, cracking read, nicely done.
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I love the witty ending, it made me smile, and how you describe the hell that is a bad holiday. Very well done Sandra.
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Maybe that’s his sales pitch and she will be happy to escape with an overpriced Kilim….
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