I got up really late today - midday. I suppose that's early by my French efforts but I was a bit miffed to have woken up and discovered Brian away having breakfast. My own fault; I didn't sleep well last night. The obvious aside, I was a bit concerned about the health issues so consequently went a bit wibbly. Seems slightly daft as I'm always conscious of keeping certain fluids away from certain places - but still mildly alarming. I fired off an email to Dason to see if he had any suggestions about what I am dealing with. Owen seems to think it likely trivial.

After I'd woken up and done stuff, Brian and I headed back into La Place jamaa El Fna and had some breakfast. We then headed up to the big Khatubia Mosque - which is illuminated gloriously at night - and had a look around. Obviously, we couldn't go in (interdit au non-musulims) but the doors were wide open so we could snatch a peek. The gardens seem to be filled with boys all desiring sex of some kind. Got cruised ton-loads.

In the early evening - after a spectacular sunset - we headed out again and at at the Hotel Ali which is in all the guide books as being a popular haunt for back packers. We'd hoped originally for a Tagine but it was a buffet night so instead we ate tons of couscous with various sauces of varying strengths. Much yumminess!

More coffee at Café de France where we were approached by a 28 year old who invited us back to his house for the evening. He had bad teeth (superficial but thought processes were working within the confines of acute gingivitis) so I wasn't too enthused about the option of shagging, though his restaurant recommendation for tomorrow sounds appealing; they serve alcohol.

The Medina was packed as it's a Saturday and everyone's out larging it. Multiples of thousands of people all swarming around but barely any women. An astonishing sight if nothing else.

Bought postcards and started the ritual writing process. Gave up after a few little smokes which started to render me incapable of writing.

We're now starting to make our plans for New Year's Day in the Sahara, though it looks as if there may be a big party in the Riyad which will be fun. There was a lot of excitement about the presence of a bottle of wine! I wonder if you can get champagne here.

I'm still feeling a bit culture shocked. It's all completely different and the sights, smells and sounds are all mind-mangling. I'm reminded of being in India when 13 and equally wide-eyed.

I did my first haggle in a Souck today. I bought two Marrakech tee shirts (one of my three tourist concessions) and haggled the guy down to half the original price. Brian suggested I should've persisted but I felt a bit bad. House boy 2 said I paid a good price. 150dh for two.

I have seen lots of little things I want to buy people for Christmas. The fab stuff would be impossible to ship home, which is a shame. There are some gorgeous pieces of crockery.

The crowds and the apparent lack of a Highway Code still leave me feeling a little afraid at times - mainly when crossing the road - but I'm looking cool (!) so I don't think the occasional fear shows. I have learned how to ignore the constant invites into little shops and things. One had the gall to tell me it was free to browse! Cheek!

I keep on receiving Nicola's messages from yesterday. I think either Vodafone or IAM is having a problem acknowledging my receipt of the SMSes. The beeping is relentless!

Hopefully, loads more groovy stuff tomorrow, I'm sure. I cannot imagine what else is in store.