The light of wisdom...

Sometimes it takes someone else to show you the right path...

If it were not for a dear old friend I think this 'rut' I have been in would have taken root...

His simple words and wisdom have shown me another way of looking at things...

My dearest jaan - I love you - thank you for reminding me that there is a different way...thank you for your help and wisdom.

Inshallah may everything you hope for be granted unto you.

Blessings upon you and your loved ones.

Always,
Colette

For Salman...

Jaan Salman,

My friend, formerly of Lahore...now living in the fast lane of Cairo.

Truly 'twas by fate's chance that we met. And has it *REALLY* been 6 years? No! I began this 'work'/blog in 2003 - it's only been 3 years my dear young man (going on 4 now). But still, almost 4 years - that's a long time to 'know' someone over the Internet. I must admit that even to me this is a long time considering the fleeting nature of this global pathway. I had always felt that such relationships were often temporary - that is unless the people actually met somehow - I don't know why to me that gives things more credibility...silly little girl that I am.

You have always been kind, curious, open, smiling - yes I can feel you smile at me from across the many miles that have separated us....oceans, continents. You, always encouraging me to be true to who I am - you, always trying to cheer me up and onward.

We have discussed things that perhaps your culture/heritage/ancestry would probably label as blasphemous for a woman to even think about let alone talk about with a 'man'. Religion, politics, culture/society, romance/relationships.

I admire the way your mind works, frankly, I just plain admire you, and, for you to say to me recently:

"...here in Cairo, all of my friends are travellers at some level or the other and we believe that a person whose lived a truly great life is someone who has great stories to tell, and that my dear, you do."

You do me an honour and a justice jaan that I don't think I truly deserve...

Insha'Allah, we shall meet one day - perhaps you will come dance at my wedding and feast at the banquet with us...

Insha'Allah, may you have everything your heart desires and may you and yours always be happy, healthy, and prosperous.

Love and Peace,
Colette