Prologue:
September 17
Journey of the Magi, a pilgrimage for peace was to get underway today, Sunday, September 17, 2000. Three groups of international pilgrims were to begin the historic reenactment starting from three different cities: Mosul in the north of Iraq, Ur in the south, and Hamadan in Iran. They were to rendezvous in the ancient city of Ctesiphon, Iraq, the winter capital of the Parthian empire, much as the original Magi did some 2000 years ago.
However, much as the journey of old was fraught with difficulties, so is this modern journey. Though everything was set in place and approved several weeks ago, because of the inherent political volatility of the region visas have been delayed—political strife and fighting in Iran have closed those doors, and the future of the Journey of the Magi is uncertain...
jump to the first day of travel:
October 22
why the delay?