Visiting Egypt, the obvious pride of the Egyptian people of their rich heritage is contagious.  I began the trip as a visitor, but soon co-opted their history as my own.  I think Egyptians understand.  You cannot see these amazing sights without feeling this is a tracing of human history, human achievement.  We are, as Waleed pointed out, a family.  Egyptians have gone through difficult times recently, but the country appears to be on the upswing.  The West must do all it can to assist and protect this precious resource.  A good place to start?  Visit and be inspired!

On February 27, 2014, His Highness the Aga Khan 49th, Hereditary Imam of the Shia Imami Ismaili Muslims (whose predecessor is buried at Aswan), addressed both Houses of Parliament in the House of Commons Chamber, Ottawa.  His speech is meaningful, regardless of your personal beliefs.

“It is an unprecedented honour for me to be here today. This is both a personal feeling and an objective observation, since I was told that this is the first time in 75 years that a spiritual leader has addressed a joint session of the Senate and the House of Commons during an official visit….

Let me end with a personal thought. As you build your lives, for yourselves and others, you will come to rest upon certain principles. Central to my life has been a verse in the Holy Quran which addresses itself to the whole of humanity. It says: ‘Oh Mankind, fear your Lord, who created you of a single soul, and from it created its mate, and from the pair of them scattered abroad many men and women…’

I know of no more beautiful expression about the unity of our human race – born indeed from a single soul.”

~ ~ ~

Howard Carter died in Kensington, London, on 2 March 1939, aged 64.  His epitaph, taken from the Wishing Cup of Tut Ankh Amun, reads:

“May your spirit live, may you spend millions of years, you who love Thebes, sitting with your face to the north wind, your eyes beholding happiness.”

~ ~ ~

With these thoughts, we floated away…

Until next time, peace and love,

Jan