In Search Of The Marvelous Lamp
Chapter 1 - Meeting Aladdin
Philadelphia, September 15th, 2024
And, as Eduardo was peacefully sipping a glass of wine, at his new home in Philadelphia, with a renewed sense of hope and appreciation for life, after the difficult months that he had lived during the spring and part of the summer of 2024, certain, that now, feeling recovered and energized, he was to face, in the days and months ahead, a big test to prove to himself, not only that he was healthy again, but, that he could continue to live a Dream, and in fact, that he was a Dreamer, he suddenly was shaken up by a thunderous light. Alarmed, he tried to compose himself.
An apparition. It was Aladdin.
- There is no strength nor power but in God, the High, the Great! ---said Aladdin. --- --- Your resilience, convictions, vision and capacity to Dream are acknowledged by the Master. -- You and your extraordinary, exceptional, ageless, fearless, shameless, hopeful, loving Dreamer friends, are to be given a new blank canvas to create a Dream.--- --- You Dreamers, united in life to celebrate friendship, love and hope shall embark, soon, on a journey In Search for the Marvelous Lamp.
-I hear and obey, o wise and happy Aladdin ---. ---Allah is the Almighty, Creator and Sustainer of the universe. He is God; there is no god but He. Allah Almighty knows what's in our hearts and will judge us according to our acts. --- exclaimed Eduardo.
-The Master wants all of you to know that your journey In Search of a Marvelous Lamp is to be a journey in search of Hope. A Hope that is very much needed in this terrible and difficult world we live in. In Search of the Marvelous Lamp is for you to go in search of a dream that has been stolen by Ali Baba and his 40 thieves, --- said Aladdin.
Eduardo then closed his eyes and saw a world full of myths, greed, fear, rejected ideologies, conflicts, wars, disproven faiths, untrusted authorities, demoralized media, climate change, populism, ignorance, alienation, diseases, hunger, poverty and death. He saw in such images the face of the 40 thieves.
-As you all hear and obey, the Master wants you to prepare, though, when the time comes, to go In Search of the Marvelous Lamp with a lighter and younger heart. To find the Lamp you all need to be a child, in peace, and, ready to take responsibility of the power of our reflections in others. Feeling that way you shall all be ready to empty your hearts of “wishes and desires” so the Genie in the Lamp materialize in all and reminds you all Dreamers of your tremendous worth and potential as human beings.---Find your inner child is a condition to join the journey.--- --- They will be many called but few chosen.---said Aladdin.
When shall we leave? Where do we go? asked Eduardo. The Master shall reveal, to each and every one of you, chosen, to join in this journey, the time and the place--- be alert---.
Await in your places of origin and residence as the Master shall let you know when and where to start the Search --responded Aladdin
Insha’Allah the day shall come soon and we will be able to start making our plans for the trip with pride and full determination to find the Marvelous Lamp and the Master shall reward us all for finding our inner child and for, again, believing in our common humanity. - Eduardo said.
Aladdin continued, in a very loud voice, for everyone included in the guest list to be able to listen, saying, --- the Master’s invitation, to go and Search for the Marvelous Lamp, is his way to give you all, his very dear chosen friends, the gift of Self believe and Self-reliance as you all need to believe again in yourselves and listen to your hearts. Times ahead are tough and this shall be the Master’s gift to all of you, he loves, for they will be better prepared to face the world and its challenges by acknowledging that Happiness is an art that all Dreamers have to master. Only knowing your value, your strengths and believing in you, you can be satisfied and happy. The world needs of you to be Happy. said Aladdin.
Aladdin then, embraced Eduardo, and, using his magic, embraced all of the travelers to be and all were united in one big and loving embrace, in all four corners of the world.
He then said --- Working hard to be like children again, in preparedness of your journey In Search for the Marvelous Lamp, is your immediate task and the Master decrees you to do so. ---said Aladdin.
There is no strength nor power but in God, the High, the Great! - We listen and obey - Eduardo responded.
And then Aladdin’s apparition vanished as Pam walked into the terrace and sat by his side and smiled. She sensed something had happened as she felt a regained peace in Eduardo’s spirit and saw his smile. His gentle touch was one from a light and happy heart.
Eduardo pondered upon the message of the Master and he, as you all, await for The Master to reveal the time and the place to proceed with a journey In Search of the Marvelous Lamp.
Chapter 2 - Eduardo and The Magic Carpet
Singapore, September 29th, 2024
And, again, a loud crack of thunder jolted Eduardo from his deep peaceful sleep, in Singapore, in the wee hours of the morning.
--- There is no strength nor power but in God, the High, the Great! --- he heard.
Was he dreaming? Another apparition? Aladdin? As he composed himself in bed he clearly heard in a soft but very firm tone
---Allah is the Almighty, Creator and Sustainer of the universe. He is God; there is no God but He. Allah Almighty knows what's in our hearts and will judge us according to our acts. ---
---I hear and obey, --- Eduardo said piteously, whereupon the Voice said more kindly: ---Fear nothing, but obey me. Beneath your bed lies a Magic Scroll which is to be yours, and no one else may touch it, so you must do exactly as I tell you ---. At the word “magic” Eduardo forgot his fears, and grasped the scroll just as he had been instructed . With a steady breath, he spoke the names of his wife and children, his voice firm despite the swirl of emotions. He slowly uncurled the ancient scroll, its edges yellowed with age, and as he did, a faint wisp of smoke rose from the patchment. The air around him seemed to shimmer, and then as if the scroll itself was alive, words began to materialize in the smoke , curling and twisting into legible shapes. The glowing letters floated briefly before settling onto the scroll’s surface.
In Search of the Marvelous Lamp
https://vimeo.com/1005968228/546556665c?ts=0&share=copy
--- Click on the link said the voice ---. ---Now, share this information with the Dreamers, invite them to click on the link, as this is what was revealed by the Master, as promised, to you all, last week---.
---Prepare yourselves for the journey as was mandated, so you all, as children, may be successful in your Search ---.
---We hear and obey, --- Eduardo responded.
---Verily the works and words of those gone before us have become instances and examples to people of our modern day, that folk may view what admonishing chances befell other folk and may therefrom take warning; and that they may peruse the annals of antique peoples and all that hath betided them, and be thereby ruled and restrained. Praise, therefore, be to Him who hath made the histories of the past an admonition unto the present! Now of such instances are the tales called "A Thousand and One Nights" together with their far-famed legends and wonders.---. Familiarize with them, is my command---. Said the voice.
Then, a second, more strenuous clap of thunder echoed through the room, shaking the very walls. Eduardo froze, the scroll still clutched in his hands, the glowing words flickering out. His heart raced as the air settled around him, the smoke dissipating as if it had never been there. For a moment, he questioned everything. Had it all been a dream? The storm outside, the strange words, the scroll—it all felt surreal. But the weight of the parchment in his hands reminded him it was no illusion, though the boundary between dream and reality had never felt so thin.
Exhausted by the strange events and the storm’s passing, Eduardo finally drifted back into a deep, peaceful sleep. His grip on the scroll loosened, and the room returned to its quiet stillness. As he lay there, his last conscious thought was a quiet wish—hoping Pam would be with him soon, safe and near, to share in the warmth and peace he longed for. The thunder faded into the distance, and his dreams carried him gently away, free of fear, filled with hope.
Chapter 3 - Little Eduardo
Singapore, October 8th, 2024
Eduardo woke up early on a typical Thursday morning in Singapore. After enjoying his tea, he headed to the bathroom to shave and get ready for work.
As he looked into the mirror, a familiar voice echoed in his mind, “There is no strength nor power but in God, the High, the Great!” Suddenly, Eduardo’s reflection began to change, shifting and distorting until he saw the face of a child staring back at him—his own face from more than sixty years ago. There he was, little Eduardo, an eight-year-old boy he remembered so well, looking back at him with curious eyes.
The voice continued, firm and resolute, “Allah is the Almighty, Creator and Sustainer of the universe. He is God; there is no God but He. Allah Almighty knows what’s in our hearts and will judge us according to our acts. Go to the Bugis Junction Market without delay.”
“I hear and obey,” Eduardo replied. The voice softened as it spoke again, “Fear nothing, but obey me. Remember the voice of your grandmother as she cuddles you in her arms, telling you wonderful fairy tales. Feel her love, her warmth, her embrace. Feel safe.”
Following the voice’s guidance, Eduardo left his home and ventured into the bright morning. He felt different, almost like a child again, as he wandered through the bustling Bugis Junction Market. Everything seemed new, filled with wonder. The aroma of spices filled the air, and the lively conversations of the market-goers surrounded him.
As Eduardo explored, he came across an elderly Chinese man, sitting cross-legged on a worn-out pillow. His eyes sparkled with mischief as he said, “Young boy, these are no ordinary carpets. They hold magical powers.” He was surrounded by an array of colorful carpets, each one more beautiful than the last
Was the old man really speaking to him as if he were a boy? Eduardo wondered. He stepped inside the shop, where a mirror hung on the wall. In the reflection, he saw himself again as the eight-year-old boy, and he felt a rush of warmth, as if his grandmother’s loving embrace had wrapped around him once more.
Among the carpets, one caught his eye—it seemed old and flimsy, yet its colors were vivid and delicate, and its patterns danced in the light. As he moved closer, Eduardo felt a gentle tap on his shoulder. Startled, he turned, only to see the carpet he had been admiring earlier. Was it following him?
The carpet rolled itself out in front of him, its tassels beckoning him to take a seat. Without thinking much about it, Eduardo sat down slowly, testing if this was real. The old man’s voice spoke again, “This carpet you just sat on can fly to the stars and back. Only someone with a heart full of wonder can unlock its magic.”
Eduardo’s heart filled with excitement. He closed his eyes, thinking of his grandmother, wishing to feel her comforting embrace once more. The carpet began to tremble beneath him, then suddenly, with a rush, it soared into the sky! Eduardo held on tight as they flew higher and higher above Singapore, laughing with joy as they climbed through the clouds.
The carpet carried Eduardo over mountains, rivers, deserts, and forests. He gazed down at a vast ocean where colorful fish played in the waves, and then he saw camels walking in the sand, minarets rising in the distance, and vibrant cities on the horizon.
A loud crack of thunder jolted the carpet, and Eduardo gripped its edges, his heart pounding.
“Welcome to Morocco,” said the voice. “This is your first scouting mission. You are to lead the Dreamers on their quest to find the Marvelous Lamp next year, as directed by the Master. Do not fear,” the voice continued, “Antonello, Bharat, Maestro Yuri Napoli, and Sonia are waiting for you. They will accompany you, but only you can truly understand the stories your grandmother once told you. Only you can find the way.
“In this journey, Scheherazade will guide you to meet Sinbad, Alibaba, the Barber of Baghdad, Aladdin, Ja’far, Dalilah the Crafty, and the Hunchback. They will offer you clues, riddles, and maps to help you track the forty thieves and decode where, in this land of tolerance, blend of cultures and religions, and amazing hospitality, could the Marvelous Lamp be found--- the Voice said.
“I hear and obey,” Eduardo replied. The carpet glided gracefully through the winding alleys of a Moroccan souk, its surroundings filled with the scent of spices—cinnamon and cardamom. The buildings around him were painted in deep shades of red and orange, and merchants filled every corner with their vibrant wares.
The carpet picked up speed, and as Eduardo clung to its tassels, he heard a tour guide announce, “Welcome to the Dar El Bacha Palace!” The palace loomed before him, surrounded by lush orange trees and covered in dazzling mosaic tiles of green, gold, and blue. Eduardo inhaled the sweet perfume of the blossoms, feeling a deep sense of wonder.
The carpet paused by a café, hovering just above the tiled floor. A waiter appeared with a tray, serving Eduardo a glass of mint tea and a bowl of orange ice cream. Eduardo savored the refreshing taste, the blend of mint and orange awakening his senses.
Just then, as if on cue, Antonello, Bharat, Yuri, and Sonia arrived and joined him, their expressions calm and expectant.
Chapter 4 - Preparedness
Tangier, October 12th, 2024.
Just then, as if on cue, Antonello, Bharat, Yuri, and Sonia appeared, each transformed into the forms of children no older than eight years old. They approached Eduardo with calm, expectant looks in their eyes. Despite their youthful appearances, Eduardo recognized them immediately. He saw in their eyes, now childlike, the promise and dreams of great things.
As he beheld them, Eduardo thought of the Dreamers. He had seen those eyes before, in all of them. Yes, they all dreamed of great things.
Eduardo firmly believed that all human beings were spiritually connected. The Dreamers were undoubtedly so. Their bond was woven through invisible threads, an unbreakable union among their souls, which manifested in a series of signs and events that others might dismiss as mere coincidences. Some of the Dreamers saw them as sacred connections, arising from past lives or the forces of destiny; for Eduardo, it was much simpler: it was the union of souls bound by love.
Eduardo thought that the Dreamers, like him, were all passionately in love with life, seizing each day to immerse themselves in the world’s splendor. Faced with a world that often leaned toward cultural plurality and contestation, the Dreamers had always found opportunities to reflect on how their connections with others could be forged and strengthened.
— “There is no strength nor power but in God, the High, the Great!” — Eduardo suddenly heard. — “Yes, Eduardo,” the Voice affirmed. — “The Dreamers have chosen to love. Love involves choice—the choice to create meaning from raw experiences, to be bold and vulnerable, to reach beyond oneself to communicate and commune. When we choose to love, we move against fear, against alienation and separation. The choice to love is a choice to connect and find ourselves in one another,” said the Voice.
As little Eduardo contemplated this message, the magic carpet was unrolled before him once again. It was larger this time. Little Antonello, Bharat, Yuri, and Sonia sat upon it, reaching out their hands to lovingly invite him to join them.
In the blink of an eye, a wild journey of unexpected discoveries commenced. Eduardo beheld palaces, houses, shops, subterranean rooms, and myriad interior spaces. The children and he encountered many characters from the 1001 Nights. They met Scheherazade, who captivated them with her storytelling and clues regarding the whereabouts of the Lamp, along with Aladdin, Simbad, Ali Baba, the Hunchback, the Tailor and the Porter and even Harun al-Rashid, the wise ruler. They soared from the winding alleyways of Fez and the bustling souks of Marrakesh to the wind-whipped beaches of Tangier and the extraordinary vineyards of Volubilis. They lost themselves for hours in medieval medinas, bartering with artisans for hand-sewn leather goods, silver jewelry, and intricately woven rugs. They sipped fresh mint tea from glass cups and savored sumptuous meals, accompanied by exquisite Moroccan wines—white, rosé, and red—before retreating to the tranquility of courtyards and palace gardens.
Morocco was alive with stalls shaded by green umbrellas, shopkeepers selling treasures of the land. Eduardo and the children heard the sizzle of food, soon drowned out by the infectious sound of music and a growing crowd of dancers. Men beat on drums and strummed their strings, creating an irresistible rhythm. Everyone was dancing—even the snake charmers’ snakes swayed to the beat. Three beautiful women, draped in silk, swayed gracefully, the gold beads on their costumes jingling as they gyrated their hips. The children and Eduardo joined in, laughing and twirling, unconcerned if they resembled the snakes more than the belly dancers.
Next, they explored the markets of Fez with a Michelin-starred chef and met some of the country’s top fashion designers, who crafted bespoke outfits for luxury gala events in Morocco. They ventured into the shifting dunes of the desert on camels, staying in custom-built luxury Berber tents. They flew high above the Atlas Mountains and soon found themselves, back again, in the heart of Souk Semmarine, a maze-like market in Marrakech.
As Eduardo gazed up at the sky, sweat trickling down his brow, wondering if they would ever return, they suddenly soared down an alley. They flew out of the souk and higher into the air, dodging shoppers and tourists, marveling at how the carpet knew its way. They descended into a garden filled with vibrant blue and yellow buildings. Peaceful fountains bubbled amid towering cacti and tall palm trees. Deep green vines draped above shaded paths, while bright bougainvillea flowers clung to the walls.
As Eduardo and the children admired the gardens, feeling relaxed and fulfilled under a palm tree’s shade, a gentle breeze carried a voice: — “There is no strength nor power but in God, the High, the Great!”
— “You have witnessed what awaits you and the Dreamers. This is the land where you are to search for the Marvelous Lamp next September,” said the Voice
— “Yes. Inshallah, God willing, we shall be here together, searching for the Marvelous Lamp and living the dream of the 1001 Nights in beautiful Morocco as we write the 1002nd night when we find the lamp that was stolen from us,” Eduardo replied.
— “Now, Eduardo, without delay, take a pen and papyrus. You’ll find them beneath the carpet. Write down the message I will dictate to you, which you must share with all the Dreamers,” commanded the Voice.
— “I hear and obey,” Eduardo responded, uncovering a beautiful silver pen and papyrus as instructed.
— “Ready. Please share the message; tell me what to write,” Eduardo said.
— “I am not dictating what to write; I will only voice what I hear in your heart. It is a simple message. The Dreamers will listen,” the Voice replied in a loving, reassuring tone.
“Dear Dreamers,
Please know with absolute certainty that as I boarded the Magic Carpet, ALL OF YOU, without exception, were with me. Your reflections live within my soul and heart. You were there with me, alongside all your apprehensions, beliefs, fears, religions, phobias, concerns, and tastes. I perceived everything from your perspectives.
I thought of you all, feeling your presence. I considered our lady friends and the comfort needed for us to dress as we wish, without excuses or judgment. I envisioned us savoring a good glass of wine, scotch, or champagne without offending anyone. I thought of our Jewish friends and our Christian friends in this increasingly intolerant world, and was pleasantly surprised to discover a welcoming, diverse population in Morocco.
Trust me, as Aladdin implored Princess Jasmine, we wouldn’t be seeking the Marvelous Lamp if any of my friends felt unwelcome, fearful, or uncomfortable in this country. I assure you, you will feel perfectly safe and welcomed, and you will fall in love with the country and its people. The Royal Palace is also extending us the courtesy of security, which, while unnecessary, I very much welcome, if only to help us navigate the bustling traffic when we are not flying on our magic carpets.
Let us all look forward to the adventure that awaits us. Let us begin dreaming together as we embark on Pam’s 2025 quest, In Search of The Marvelous Lamp. Ultimately, it is the dream-like quality of the Arabian Nights that appeals to us, as our lives are merely stories waiting to be written, intertwined with yours through love and friendship. Let us live our stories together and be the main characters in our tales, where reality is the dream and our dreams become reality. Like Scheherazade, our dream endures only as long as we can tell a story. Our dream lives on as long as we write our lives into existence.
This year, I invite you to join me in writing this 1002nd chapter in our life stories, living it to the fullest.
Let us draw upon the messages and lessons of this gathering to live and write our stories, keeping in mind that we seek the Magical Lamp to craft our narratives rather than waiting for life to happen to us. The Thousand and One Nights is a multitude of tales, where one story frames another, creating an intricate tapestry. Your stories are extraordinary. Like the Arabian Nights, our collective narratives intertwine like a spider’s web, with threads and passages leading in all directions, reflecting the loving friendships that you, my dear friends, embody.
This journey, like others, serves as a reminder for us all to fully participate as writers, directors, and main characters in our stories, never merely as spectators. I know each of you will find the Lamp, and I even foresee your wishes when the genie appears.
So please take a comfortable seat on the magic carpet as we prepare to travel through time and dimensions to the land of deserts, caravans, spices, sultans, princesses, genies, magicians, and mysteries—ready to live a tale untold of our Arabian Nights that, after much excitement, will lead us back to the peace of our hearts, where our eyes will find solace in the familiar gazes and light of our friends.
Let us embrace this opportunity to intersect our daily rituals and aspirations, forging stronger ties with one another. More importantly, let us explore how a sense of collective identity and shared responsibility can be nurtured to contribute to a world increasingly fractured and divided.
I thank you sincerely in advance for trusting me and allowing me to write the introduction to this next chapter in all our lives, as we together shall live and share the story of our journey into the dream of the 1002nd Arabian Night in beautiful Morocco.”
— “Full stop, Eduardo,” said the Voice. — “Your heart has spoken. The Dreamers will listen and find comfort in your assurances. The path is ready. You have eleven months to prepare for the Search. I will be with you in the coming months to guide and counsel you,” concluded the Voice.
— “Don’t leave,”--- Eduardo implored, urgency evident in his voice. — “I need your help. Before we say goodbye, please tell me how I can reach and find the inner children among the Dreamers.”
— “There is no power or strength save in God, the Almighty, the Magnificent. You and the Dreamers shall act in accordance with the wisdom of one of the poets,”--- commanded the Voice.
• For thou wilt find another land when you depart; but no soul shall find the Magic Lamp in Morocco unless they perceive the land through a child’s eyes. Always seek the place and occasion where you are treasured, wanted, and loved. Approach Morocco with an open heart and soul.
• All Dreamers must read “The 1001 Nights.”
• Grieve not over the passage of years but find solace in the flow of time. Have the Dreamers send you a picture of themselves as children, between the ages of five and eight.
• Do not hold on to what you do not understand. For hearing, sight, and mind—these are your responsibilities. Empty your heart and mind of any prejudices or preconceived notions regarding Morocco.
• Send not your messenger on an important errand; for the soul has no faithful minister save itself. The Dreamers, as children, once more, are to witness, search for, and find the Marvelous Lamp.
— “We hear and obey,” --- said Eduardo.
Suddenly, it began to rain. Wind and thunder unleashed an unexpected squall. Neither Eduardo nor the other children sought cover. They looked up at the sky, joyfully turning their faces toward the downpour, allowing the heavy droplets to splatter against their skin and hair as the wind swept them like leaves. They held hands and laughed. In an instant, their bodies felt heavy, a stark contrast to the lightness they had experienced while flying on the carpet.
A phone rang. The wind subsided, and the rain ceased. It was Mel. They were adults again. Eduardo was needed for a meeting.
In the blink of an eye, Eduardo, in a suit and tie, found himself walking towards his office. He was back in Singapore. As he entered, Mel handed him an envelope labeled “Eduardo, Personal.” He opened it and read the card inside.
“The magic is yours to keep, as long as you always believe.”
Eduardo smiled, and the Voice whispered in his ear as he walked toward the meeting room, — “This story of yours and the Dreamers will not conclude with the 1002nd Night, for it is a tale of your love for Pam, your children and your friends, a narrative that cannot be told in less than a lifetime.”
With a smile, Eduardo walked into the meeting room, knowing full well that much work lay ahead.
Chapter 5 - The Magic In The Search
Marrakesh, October 14th, 2024
In the blink of an eye, Eduardo was gone. Antonello, Bharat, Yuri, and Sonia stood in stunned silence, their gazes fixed on the sky as they searched for any last trace of the carpet that had carried him away. They watched as the tiny speck disappeared into the horizon. He was gone. As the reality of the moment sank in, they found themselves questioning whether the magical journey of the past three days had truly come to an end.
It was then that they became acutely aware of their return to adulthood. There they were, in the heart of Jardin Majorelle, Marrakech, with the first light of dawn breaking across the sky. A wave of overwhelming emotions swept over them—responsibility, doubt, uncertainty. Where to begin? What was next? They stood in silence, each lost in their own thoughts, as a light breeze began to stir. Soon, the breeze grew into a wind.
Then, a voice—clear and resonant—echoed around them: ---“The magic is yours to keep, as long as you always believe.”--- They heard it as if it were spoken directly to their souls.
---“There is much to do.”---said the Voice
---“The task is clear. You have heard the clues. Now, prepare for the Dreamers’ journey.” ---the voice continued.
---“Send emissaries across the country to announce their arrival. Inform the Palaces and prepare them to receive the Dreamers. Book rooms in cities and medinas. Arrange transport—cars, trains, planes. Prepare the caravan—camels, tents. Hire attendants, guards, and guides. Book chefs and sommeliers, for the Dreamers must be treated royally. They will feast on sumptuous meals, with a selection of fine Moroccan wines. Arrange for tailors and seamstresses, as the Dreamers must be outfitted in rich attire for their journey.”---
The voice paused before adding:
---“Remember, the people of Morocco possess a unique fantasy that transcends reality, and they will understand.”---
“We hear and obey,” Antonello, Bharat, Yuri, and Sonia responded in unison. The task was clear, though the weight of it was immense. They also recalled what Eduardo had often said in the months leading up to this moment: “Every moment of the Search must be unique and magical. Remember we are to be writing, with each one of the Dreamers, the 1002nd night of the Arabian Nights—a night that shall never end, that knows no dawn. It is not just another night; it is a night beyond any other, a spell that can never be broken.”
Now, standing at the crossroads of duty and magic, Antonello, Bharat, Yuri, and Sonia knew exactly what they had to do. The Dreamers awaited their call, and it was time to ask them to join the journey.
Chapter 6 - The Red Koi
November 22nd, 2024
Eduardo arrived early for his crucial meeting. An important one. A long-awaited opportunity to pitch Asia's legal work for the brand.
Bishan-Ang Mo Kio Park in Singapore was just across the street. He had 10 minutes. Didn’t want to show up early as he would look anxious. Eduardo therefore decided to have a smoke.
Despite Singapore's strict smoking laws, Eduardo sought a secluded spot to light up. It was very early in the morning. Just a bit before 7. The park looked empty. Maybe no one would notice he convinced himself.
As he walked into the park trying to find a somehow hidden oasis for him to light up his first cigarette of the day he saw a pond. A large beautiful pond home to a variety of fish, including koi. Dozens of koi fish were swimming. Beautiful big koi.
A majestic red Koi swimming near the edge caught his attention. Eduardo followed, mesmerized, as the Koi suddenly broke the surface. Eduardo, astonished and surprised heard the Koi say
---Prepare for the Journey— .
Not believing what he was seeing, and, listening, Eduardo leaned in and the Koi continued ---Draw attention and reinforce the message to the Dreamers--- . ---To successfully embark on the quest for the Marvelous Lamp the Dreamers must find their inner child and approach the journey with a lighter and younger heart. Not only the Dreamers ears, eyes, and minds shall be ready, so ought to be their kind hearts.
--- I hear and obey--- said Eduardo. --- I’ll do my very best for them to hear the message, although I have already asked them --- in fact few of them have already sent them he assured the Koi.
With a tone of impatience the Koi said ---Eduardo---. --- The Dreamers are your friends. Remember that friendship marks a life even more deeply than love. I am sure the Dreamers will listen to you.
Ask the Dreamers, once more, that without delay they send you the pictures of themselves as children, between the ages of five and eight. Let them know that in the faraway land and fantastical world we are inviting them to join you we have an army of mythical creatures, sultans, princes and princesses, sorcerers and genies who are to be helping us to find their inner child and we need their photos so they can be identified. Dreamers then shall understand that they are ready for the greatest adventure of all. Not in seeking new lands, but in seeing one with new eyes.--- the Koi stated.
— “There is no strength nor power but in God, the High, the Great!” — Eduardo said, and, then, with a much determined tone, he continued ---the path to greatness is often paved with obstacles, but determination can move mountains. I will for sure urge the Dreamers again to send their Childhood Photos so their Inner child can be found in the magical world as I am determined for them to join the Journey with a child's heart.
Suddenly, in a blink of an eye, the Koi dived into the pond and the encounter ended. The Koi vanished into the depths, leaving Eduardo pondering.
Eduardo didn’t smoke. He crossed the street. A tale could be told again. The Red Talking Koi.
Now it was time for his meeting. Eduardo repeated out loud the newfound mantra as he walked into the elevator for his meeting. --- Determination can move mountains---
Chapter 7 - The Birds
Singapore, December 6th, 2024
Eduardo's stay in Singapore was drawing to a close. He was leaving the next day. It was time for him to return to Philadelphia, where Pam eagerly awaited his arrival. The past few months had been a whirlwind of work and travel, but he had cherished every moment spent with Sebastian, Gabriel, and his Singaporean friends
As he prepared to depart, Eduardo felt a growing sense of anxiety. He had been reviewing the registration list for the Search of the Marvelous Lamp, daily, and, notwithstanding that he felt enormous gratitude for the many registrations he had discovered, he kept noticing that several close and important Dreamers’ names were missing from the list. His concern deepened with each passing day. How could this be? Had he not conveyed the message clearly? Hadn't the voice assured him that the message had been sent to all the relevant Dreamers? In Eduardo’s count, Dreamers, in Philadelphia, New York, Washington, D.C, Mexico City, Bogota, San Jose de Costa Rica, Rio De Janeiro, Toronto, Nice, Edmonton, Istanbul, Madrid, Luarca, Lucerne, Athens, Shanghai, Singapore, Hanoi, Jakarta, and, New Delhi, were not registered. Eduardo, had been visiting the pond at Bishan-Ang Mo Kio Park for the last three days. He had looked in vain for the majestic Red Koi hoping to find solace and answers.
Early in the morning he was there again. He needed to listen to the Red Koi. Eduardo had so many questions for him. Was he not talking to the Dreamers’ hearts? Were these Dreamers not going to join him in Morocco? Didn’t they trust him? As he was walking again near the edge of the pond, that Friday early morning, he felt a sudden gust of wind, and a familiar voice spoke to him.
--- “What it is that your looking to find in this pond “--- asked the Voice. --- “Let your heart be peaceful” --- “You’ll find no answers in the pond.”--- The Voice affirmed.
— “There is no strength nor power but in God, the High, the Great!” — Eduardo said
---“ Leave this park. Go to the north corner of the Botanical Gardens. Seat in the bench where you usually seat with Pam. It is there that you will find answers”--- the Voice commanded him.
---“I hear and obey”--- Eduardo responded.
Suddenly his heart felt light. Hope returned to him. He was to be able to get to the bottom of the quandary. He will have answers and perhaps clues as to how to convince the missing Dreamers to register. ---“All of them, from the four corners of the world had to be with him” --- he thought.
He ran to the train. In no time he would be able to reach the Gardens. He knew very well where exactly to go. In addition he loved the place. It was a secret garden. It was peaceful.
As Eduardo arrived and sat on the bench, the place and atmosphere soothed his anxieties. The birds chirp and warble was a call to him. The wind calmly moved a specific branch of an old Tembusu tree, in front of him, and, he suddenly noticed a breathtaking sight. In two branches of the tree there were more than a dozen of different birds all singing and chirping the same tune in a most melodic way.
There were small birds and big ones, in fact some majestic ones! Colorful ones and plain ones. Eduardo count them in disbelieve. There were 21 of them. 10 in a higher branch and 10 others in a lower one. 1 of them, a tiny one which appeared to be a little Hummingbird acted as a Concert Master or Conductor of them all. ---“Amazing” ---Eduardo thought. ---“How could this be? What were they singing? Was there any meaning to the melodic tune? --- Eduardo asked himself.
--- “Let me help you identify the birds, dear Eduardo” --- the Voice said. ---“These are birds from all corners of the world. Soon these birds will fly to where they came from. The Dreamers will hear them sing as you are hearing them today. Each one of them will go back to its town or city and chant the melody you are listening to right now “--- the Voice explained, and then continued ---. ---Look at them. There it is the little sparrow of Rittenhouse Square in Philadelphia, next to him see the Toronto Blue Jay; next is the Magpie or Pica Pica from Nice, in France; the loud one, next to him, is a Colibrí Chillón from Bogota! You’ll be very happy to know that the one next is an Abejaruco from Luarca, in Asturias, followed by an American Robin of Washington, D.C.---
Eduardo couldn’t believe his eyes. He was mesmerized. How could this be? How could these birds from such specific places were to be together, here, in Singapore, with him, this morning?
The Voice continued --- “Next to the London Robin you will find a New York City Pigeon and next to him I’m sure you can recognize the beautiful Toucan, from Rio de Janeiro and the Scarlet Macaw of Costa Rica, and, yes, the spectacular Javan Hawk Eagle from Java, that I invited to this gathering. I know you’ll be able to identify the Singaporean Crimson Sunbird right there just next to the great horned Owl of Edmonton. Next to him, please see the red-winged blackbird of Istanbul and the Monk Parakeet of Madrid “---.
---What do all this mean?—-Eduardo pondered.
The Voice continued ---“Look at the beautiful Black-headed Gull of Lucerne and the Spotted flycatcher from Athens; next in a row you’ll see the Red Parrotbill, symbol of Shanghai and the last two are a A Plaintive Cuckoo (Tìm vit ) from Hanoi, and a Rose-ringed Parakeet from New Delhi” ---and, ---“I am sure you are happy to see that the Conductor is no other than a Hummingbird all the way from Mexico City” --- concluded the Voice.
--- “This moment is such a marvel that if it were written with a needle on the corner of an eye, it would serve as a lesson to those who seek wisdom as I do”--- Eduardo said, and then, asked --- “ What are they singing? I can’t understand it”---.
--- “Listen with your heart not just with your ears; try to truly grasp their feelings. Their chirping is much more than a song. Listen and connect with their deeper meaning”--- answered the Voice.
--- -“There is no strength nor power but in God, the High, the Great!” — Eduardo said as he emptied his mind and allowed himself to listen.
Suddenly Eduardo heard the Birds, in chorus, sing in a most melodious and beautiful tune and was able to understand.
--“ For us together to Search for the Marvelous Lamp there will be no magic star to guide our steps, no ancient prophecies to predict our way, we are to trust our heart and instincts. It is only our heart and the need to share the joy in our lives, with each other, that shall bring us all together, once more. We will embark in Search of the Marvelous Lamp knowing that the greatest gift we are to receive is to find and connect with our inner child and the fact that we travel not alone in this world, but in the company of others. That there are hands that we can reach out for, and, hearts to keep us warm. The hands and hearts of the Dreamers that will meet each other in Morocco. The eternal connections we have built with each other in this world are nothing more that the interconnectedness of souls across multiple lifetimes. Our bond have weaved a collective tapestry of love, identity, and memories. The universe conspires to bring us what we truly desire, but only if we have the courage to pursue it.
To miss the Journey In Search of the Marvelous Lamp is nothing more than the story of the doors we never opened and the lives we didn’t live. Every life choice is like an opening of a door into the future but going through one door means choosing not to enter another. For those that will not follow our journey is to leave more unopened doors shimmer in our memories. Shimmering serving as a ghostly reminder of the lives we might have led. Memory is a powerful tool. It can be both hauntingly beautiful yet scary. “there is no romance in the adventures we didn’t partake.
We are here singing this tune to remind all who have the heart to listen that In Search of the Marvelous Lamp is a journey by which we all hope to reframe our relationship with each other and the ways we see ourselves opening windows to exciting more inclusive narratives. Eduardo is grateful for your friendship, support and optimism since the day you met. Trust him this one more time. Remember: Do not let your fears hold you back, for a timid heart can never experience true joy. Join us! “--
As the melody finished, Eduardo saw all the birds spread their wings and soar at the same time. They gather in a most beautiful murmuration. An hypnotizing site.
---“ Do not be surprised they are flying together. A murmuration is emblematic of unity. Remember we are stronger together. Cooperation is emblematic to success, the birds will sing the melody across the sky and in all corners of this world”---. Said the Voice.
Eduardo felt a sense of wonder. He had connected with nature and as he saw the birds fly he appreciated the vastness of the universe. He took a moment to clear his mind while standing looking up at the sky.
--- “Why are you looking at the sky? --- the Voice asked, and then, with a commanding tone said ---“Believe, and what was impossible becomes possible and, what at first was hidden, becomes visible. Go home, pack, and you, like the birds, fly back to Pam and Maria. There is much to be done.”---
------“I hear and obey”--- Eduardo responded.
Life is like a puzzle, and every piece has its purpose. Trust in the grand design of the universe, Eduardo ruminated, as he walked back home to do as he was instructed.
Chapter 8 - The Missing Children
Philadelphia, January 6th, 2025
Eduardo arrived home at Legacy Circle, the late evening darkness illuminated only by the faint glow of streetlights. It was bitterly cold, with snow falling gently around him. He was alone, having left Pam in the hospital after her knee replacement surgery that morning. Despite being with her after the operation and during the postoperative period, Eduardo had left the hospital feeling saddened, knowing she was in pain and not feeling well due to a bad reaction to anesthesia. Eduardo had spent 12 hours at the hospital, and the combination of worry and exhaustion had taken its toll. As he entered his cold and empty house, he felt a pang of loneliness. He needed to eat, having not done so all day, and so he heated up some soup and poured himself a glass of wine. While he ate, he emailed his children, updating them on their mother's condition and reassuring them that everything would be fine.It was Kings Day, but there would be no celebration, no gifts, and no traditional Kings Bread. Eduardo couldn't help but feel a pang of nostalgia as he thought back to his childhood Kings Day celebrations, filled with excitement and expectation. He remembered how special his parents made the occasion. This year, however, would be different. After finishing his meal, Eduardo took a hot shower and prepared for bed, feeling the weight of his exhaustion. As he lay down, he started to drift off to sleep, but Suddenly felt a presence in the room, in fact in his bed!
His mind was playing tricks on him, blurring the boundary between what’s real and what’s not. He loved how it felt to be held. The hands touching him were warm against his skin. A timid but powerful gesture of tenderness. The lights are low and his heartbeat is loud. Eduardo was enjoying and loving the feeling of being tucked in, snug and comforted. He didn’t open his eyes. It was as if his mother was tucking him into bed, ready to read him a bedtime story just as she used to when he was a child.
Suddenly, a soft voice whispered in his ear, ---"Eduardo, it is I, Princess Scheherazade"---Eduardo didn't open his eyes, but he knew he wasn't dreaming. Princess Scheherazade continued to speak, her voice soothing and calming. ---"It is I, though these are your mother's hands and her scent."--- Eduardo felt a sense of peace wash over him as Princess Scheherazade began to sing a soft melody, one that transported him to a place of love and togetherness. Eduardo thought he recognized the melody and lyrics although they were extracts of different songs he have heard. ---“Don’t let your heart be troubled; do not stay afraid. It is really I whom you seek; I offer you now my peace; I have waited for this moment to be with you again;In my heart you’ll remain in your heart I’ll stay.
I am here. I am ever with you!
Come stop your crying; It will be all right; Just hold my hand and hold it tight.
Cause you’ll be in my heart from this day on; now and forever more; you’ll be in my heart---“
—- “There is no strength nor power but in God, the High, the Great!” — Eduardo said without opening his eyes. ---Thank you--- he whispered enjoying the ritual designed to transition him into dreamland.
As he listened to her sing, Eduardo felt his heart fill with a sense of wonder and joy. Princess Scheherazade's words echoed in his mind: ---"You and the Dreamers, as children, will be able to find the Marvelous Lamp. Help me as I'm searching for the missing children in you and the Dreamers."------ “Where does the innocence go?--- asked Eduardo. --- It seems the world has a way of beating and pushing it out of us. I have so often thought about how sad it is that the world imposes all these negative and heart-wrenching traits on us. It has taught us to be selfish and greedy; It’s constantly teaching us that there is no time to just ‘be’ and enjoy the moment. We are constantly on the run, on the go! Are we kind to strangers? Do we say hello to random people and random things? Are we easily excitable? Children have this amazing ability to just see the good, to say hello to everyone and everything, to sing randomly or to hear a song on the radio and break out in a spontaneous dance. When last did I do that? When last was I not self-conscious of what people around me might think of me? Where does the belief that our parents are our world and our superheroes go? What happened to Santa Claus, Aladdin and the Wise Kings? Why does growing up mean losing the joys of innocence and falling from trusting our loved ones?--- Eduardo questioned again.
--- Yes, often our innocence is stolen, and we cannot unlearn or unseen what we have, but that does not mean we cannot decide to have those childlike joys and happy emotions. We can start reclaiming our freedom from the negatives. We can start looking after ourselves, think about our thoughts and choose to change your mindsets and patterns. Yes, the negatives will come because we live in the world, but there is love, sometimes far closer than we think and know. Remember, too, that by you having a smile or by you saying hello- you can change someone’s day. You can be a little shining light of joy in the world. Childhood innocence is still yours if you look for it and live by it, even if we live in a difficult world ---. Said Princess Scheherazade, only to elaborate ---Your inner children and that of the Dreamers was stolen by the 40 thieves. During the Search of the Marvelous Lamp the Dreamers and you shall look and find your inner children and once you find it you will all will find your innocence, wonder, joy and creativity. It will be then that you will be able to find the Marvelous Lamp.--- ---Remember what Aladdin told you back in September: “As you all hear and obey, the Master wants you to prepare, though, when the time comes, to go In Search of the Marvelous Lamp with a lighter and younger heart. To find the Lamp you all need to be a child, in peace, and, ready to take responsibility of the power of our reflections in others. Feeling that way you shall all be ready to empty your hearts of “wishes and desires” so the Genie in the Lamp materialize in all and reminds you all Dreamers of your tremendous worth and potential as human beings.---Find your inner child is a condition to join the journey.--- --- They will be many called but few chosen October”.
---“ Eduardo, those were Aladdin’s words to you”.--- Princess Scheherazade said and then she continued:
---“The Master has seen already many of the Dreamers’ inner children in the streets of towns and cities in Morocco. They are lost and need to be found. The Master has sent a number of elves to Morocco to help him find them. The elves need their pictures, you haven’t sent the pictures of all of them as we requested. Please remind all the Dreamers that haven’t sent their pictures to you to do as it is most important to locate them in such vast territory.--- Princess Scheherazade firmly demanded.
---“I hear and obey”—said Eduardo as he made a mental note to ask all Dreamers again to please comply and send their pictures as asked.
Eduardo felt his eyes were heavy. He was drifting into sleep as Princess Scheherazade continued to tuck him into bed. Suddenly she started singing in a soft voice again:
---“ There can be miracles when you believe; though hope is rare it’s hard to kill;
who knows what miracles you can achieve;
when you believe somehow you will; you will, when you believe”---
Eduardo's thoughts were interrupted by Princess Scheherazade's gentle whisper, ---"Isn't it wonderful to be a child again?"--- He smiled, feeling a sense of peace and contentment washed over him. As he drifted off to sleep, he felt grateful for the presence of Princess Scheherazade and the sense of comfort she had brought him. He realized that childhood innocence was still within him, waiting to be rediscovered.In his last moments of consciousness, Eduardo asked Princess Scheherazade to go to the hospital and tuck Pam into bed, to which she replied, ---"Don't worry, I've been with her all evening. She is and will be fine. Now, boy, go to sleep."---With those reassuring words, Eduardo fell into a deep and peaceful sleep thinking that perhaps. if more people experienced the simple acts of magic through the kindness of familial love, if with kindness and service, humanity tucked each other in before we all fell to sleep. the world would be much better.
Chapter 9 - The Children's Home
Philadelphia, January 31st, 2025
Eduardo, not surprised at all, opened the window of his home office and jumped onto the carpet that had knocked on the window seconds before. The carpet's tassels invited him to board. He was leaving behind Pam, who was still recovering from knee replacement surgery earlier in the month, but somehow he knew she would be alright, and he would be back home in no time. Eduardo didn’t wonder where he was going. Somehow he knew likewise he was in route to Morocco again. Where? He didn’t know. Why was he summoned back again? That was the only question he had. --Salam Alaikum and Marhaba -- “Peace be upon you and welcome to Fez”—the now familiar deep Voice said. —- “There is no strength nor power but in God, the High, the Great!” — Eduardo said mesmerized by the sight of Fes from kilometers up in the sky. Eduardo had read that Fes is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the largest car-free urban areas in the world but nothing had prepared him for the site. The Atlas Mountains in the back framed the city which was surrounded by hills and the old medieval city was centered around the Fez River (Oued Fes) flowing from west to east. Eduardo couldn’t find words to express the sense of wonder he felt flying through the ancient streets, knowing that the walls of the city have stood for thousands of years and that it was actually one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world. Founded in the 9th century the city was welcoming him. Eduardo had the sense not only of having travelled far away but also of having traveled back in time. ---“The medina accurately looks like a throwback in time; exactly how I have picture a thousand year old city to be”--- Eduardo exclaimed. Although it appears to be early hours of the morning the streets were already chaotic. People rushed by in every direction and children played among the crowds. In an instant, the chaos from outside melted away as the carpet made several turns and dropped Eduardo at the gates of a structure. He approached the door and read a sign: "Centre Fiers & Forts". The gate opened, and a pleasant young gentleman came forward, greeting Eduardo, in French, and introducing himself as Pierre. ---" Bienvenue --- We have been waiting for you"---. He said. Eduardo, somehow, knew he was at the gates of an orphanage. He just knew it. He had visited many orphanages around the world and all of them had the same feeling from the moment you open the door. It was not only the same sound, but, the same smell and atmosphere, very similar to the many orphanages he and the Dreamers have visited in Asia, Latin America, Africa, and Europe. As Eduardo walked through the doors of the orphanage a whirlwind of emotions enveloped him. He was greeted by a group of children with bright smiles on their faces. It was a heartwarming sight to see how they were happy and playful despite the hardships they had gone through. The children’s bright eyes filled with curiosity and yearning tugged at his heartstrings. Simultaneously a sense of vulnerability hung in the air; a reminder of the circumstances that had these children taking refuge in this home. The contrast between their innocence and the challenges they faced created a poignant mix of empathy, compassion and an overwhelming desire to make a positive impact in their lives. Eduardo couldn’t speak. His heart had the desire to touch the children, to embrace every one of them. He really didn't know how to help these children; he just knew he needed to do it. He suddenly was standing in a big room full of parentless children and Eduardo began to weep. He was able to feel God’s heart in that room. He could feel his love. ---"How many orphans are here?"--- Eduardo asked. ---"Only 47,"--- Pierre answered. ---"Unfortunately, we can't help anymore."--- ---"Are there many abandoned children in Morocco? In this area?"--- Eduardo asked. The reply was simple: ---"Sadly, yes. There are many"---. Pierre continued with an explanation: ---"This is a Children's Home, not an orphanage. We want to raise these children not with the identity of orphans but as Children of God. The children are divided into three categories in this home: those orphaned at birth, those abandoned and left on the streets, and the last group, which comprises those who ran away from home to escape abuse or those whose mothers are sex workers and can't take care of them but who still come and visit them from time to time." Eduardo then tried to speak to all three groups. Their stories were interesting; They did not blame anyone for their predicament but were grateful to be alive. They just wanted more out of life. A common thread was their determination. Observing the children’s daily routines, and interactions with caregivers unearthed a complex range of feelings. Laughter echoed in the hallways revealing their resilience and ability to find joy in simple moments. Yet, Eduardo knew that behind the smiles lay stories of loss and longing. The mixture of emotions Eduardo was experiencing during his visit prompted him to reflect deeply on the role of community support and the power of human connection in shaping others’ lives. The children that he was talking to, and, playing with, demonstrated strength and hope that defied their circumstances. Their stories of determination and dreams showcased the power of human potential in the face of adversity. Eduardo took a step back and look at the scene. He suddenly reflected and was reminded that every individual regardless of their background deserves to be seen, heard, and supported. As he was deep in reflection suddenly Pierre interrupted him. ---“I have an envelope for you. Just arrived this morning and I was asked to hand delivered it to you”--- Pierre said as he hand him a manila envelope addressed to him. Eduardo opened the envelope which contained a beautiful gallery of pictures of all Dreamers as children. ---“ These are the missing children, you want to find, Eduardo. You are in the right place to think of them”--- “ The children in this orphanage shall help you find them.”---the Voice said. Eduardo saw the gallery of pictures he hold in his hand and a smile was brought to his face, he then, saw the children in the playground who ignited a glimmer of hope within Eduardo, the hope that compassion and collective efforts can contribute to a brighter future for each and every child, one step at a time. ---“ Just as this children, you are here with are longing for love and affection, the Dreamers, in the photo gallery, you are holding in your hands, are likewise craving for love”--- The Voice said. ---“ Please, Eduardo, ask the Dreamers to look at the picture that they sent you and see it often. Have them familiarize again with that little child, they once were, and give him/her a big hug and ask them to let them know they are here for them and are now their protectors. Have them tell them they are now safe and no one nor anything can harm them. Ask them to tell them how much they are loved and reassure them that all shall be okay. Have the Dreamers make them feel important, loved, happy, and for sure, have them make them laugh”--- ---“ I hear and obey”--- Eduardo said. ---“ The time will come, next September when the Dreamers will be meeting these orphans.--- --- “When they do, they will be able to identify with them. They will be able to see themselves in the faces of these and other orphan children. The children will feel the love and affection offered to them by the Dreamers”--- --- “There is no strength nor power but in God, the High, the Great!” — Eduardo said. It was time to leave. Eduardo walked to the gate. The doors opened and suddenly the whole team was there just waiting for him. Antonello, Sonia, Yuri and Bharat were smiling and urging him to hurry. Volubilis, the Fez Medina and Marrakesh were waiting for an inspection. There was much to do. Eduardo turned his head to the Children’s Home. His parting words to the children were from Christopher Robin, ---“You are better than you believe, stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think.”---. He said with a smile.
Chapter 10 - The Prince
Fez, Morocco, February 3, 2025.
Eduardo returned to his hotel room, exhausted from the day's events. It was late. He and his team had worked tirelessly, visiting venues, checking logistics, and rehearsing the implementation of their program. The jet lag was wearing him down, and the visit to the orphanage had been overwhelming and he was emotionally drained
He couldn’t sleep. He knew he was to start working in a few hours again. They needed to complete the program and thereafter in the afternoon he was to fly back to NYC and work in the city for a couple of days before heading back to Pam and Philadelphia.
The news of the last two days have likewise weighed on him. He felt targeted. Mexican, married to and father of Canadians; recent Father in law of an FBI agent and the cherry on the cake came when Maria had called him to say that she was concerned as the NGO she works for in New York City was funded by the Federal Government. The perfect storm.
He decided to get out for a walk. It was fresh. A profusion of luminescent lamps illuminate the dark alleys of the souk. Down the alley a Pharmacist invites him to sit and smell test the natural remedies and musk stored in jars lining his shelves. As he keeps walking with no certain destination, he likewise, sees piles of traditional rugs, neatly stacked piles of roses, jasmine and orange blossom while next door he sees and actually smells cumin, black pepper, ginger and turmeric waiting to be sold in tomorrow’s morning daily frenzy and sensory Medina overload.
He pauses and starts looking the surroundings. He enjoys the Moroccan architecture tucked in the old city. From meticulously craved florals and Arabic script to peaceful alleyways and gardens.
He notices a white rabbit looking at him, then follows it to a dark alley where the rabbit entered a small, hidden door or a mysterious opening in the wall. He entered.
The first thing he had to do in the darkness of the night was to endeavor to find out where he was. He found himself to be on the terrace of a magnificent palace, surrounded with a balustrade of white marble breast high, and groping about, found a flight of stairs, which led down into the palace, the door of which was half open. None but Eduardo would have ventured to go down those stairs, dark as it was, and exposed to danger from friends or foes. But no consideration could stop him. 'I do not come,' said he to himself, 'to do anybody any harm, and certainly, whoever meets or sees me first, and finds that I have no arms in my hands, will not attempt anything against my life, before they hear what I have to say for myself.' After this reflection, he opened the door wider, without making any noise, and went softly down the stairs, that he might not wake anybody, and, when he came to a landing place on the staircase, he found the door open of a great hall, that had a light in it. He advanced a little into the room, and, by the light of a lantern, saw that the persons whom he heard snore were chamberlains, with naked spades laid by them, which was enough to inform him that this was the guard chamber of some noble person or king; which latter it proved to be.
So, Eduardo strengthening his heart and making up his mind, stalked through the vestibule, passing the sleeping guards, into the very middle of the palace, and found no other person in it. Yet it was furnished with silken stuffs gold-starred, and the hangings were let down over the doorways. In the midst was a spacious court off which sat four open saloons, each with its raised dais, saloon facing saloon. A canopy shaded the court, and in the center was a jetting fount with four figures of lions made of red gold, spouting from their mouths water as clear as pearls and diaphanous gems. Round about the palace birds were let loose, and over it stretched a net of golden wire, hindering them from flying off. In brief, there was everything but human beings. Eduardo marveled, yet felt sad at heart for that he saw no one to give him an account of what he was seeing. As he sat between the doors in deep thought, there came a voice of lament, as from a heart grief spent, and he heard a man voice chanting these verses:
"I concealed the pain I suffered at his hands, yet it became known,
And sleepless nights tormented me, as rest fled from my eyes.
Oh, world! Oh, Fate! Spare me your cruelty and harm,
Behold my wretched form, consumed by sorrow and fear.
Will you never show compassion to a noble youth,
Who lost his way and fell from wealth and fame to misery?
When Destiny strikes, human sight is blinded to its ways.
When worries and cares weigh heavily on a generous heart,
How can he escape his fate, and find a refuge from its pain?"
Now, when Eduardo heard the mournful voice he sprang to his feet and following the sound, found a curtain let down over a chamber door. He raised it and saw behind it a young man sitting upon a couch about a cubit above the ground, and he seems fair to the sight, a well-shaped person, with eloquent speech. His forehead was flower-white, his cheek rosy bright. He was a handsome guy.
Eduardo rejoiced and saluted him, but he remained sitting in his caftan of silken stuff embroiled with Egyptian gold and his crown studded with gems of sorts. But his face was sad with the traces of sorrow. He returned the salute in a most courteous way adding, ---"O my lord, thy dignity demanded my rising to thee, and my sole excuse is to crave thy pardon."---
Eduardo, startled, responded, --- "You are excused. I am no Lord, nor a dignitary. I am a simple curious stranger to your city wondering around your palace”.---
---Young man, look upon me as a guest that would like to learn of the secrets of this palace and your lonely presence in it. Likewise tell me the cause of your groaning and wailing. Is there any way I can help you?--- Eduardo asked
When the young man heard these words he wept uncontrollably till his chest was drenched with tears. --- "What is making you weep, young man?"--- asked Eduardo.
He answered, ---"How should I not weep, when this is my case!" Thereupon he put out his hand and raised the skirt of his garment, when lo! the lower half of him appeared stone down to his feet while from his navel to the hair of his head he was a man. Eduardo seeing this his plight, grieved deeply and, overcome with compassion, cried out:
------"Oh dear, dear me, I’m very sorry. I see and can understand your sorrow and desperation. I was minded to ask the mystery of this palace, whereas now I am concerned to learn your story. But there is no Majesty and there is no Might save in Allah, the Glorious, the Great! Lose no time, young man but tell me forthright the whole story. ---"Lend me thine ears, thy sight, and thine insight." "All are at your service!"---
---"Wondrous and marvelous is my case and if my story was to be engraved with needles at the corner of the eye others could learn from these events and could warn those that need to be warned"
---"How is that?" asked Eduardo, and the young man began to tell,
----“I was born a Prince. A happy kid and young man. A very much loved son by parents and grandparents. I was celebrated in everything I did. I used to rejoice in the adventure and visited distant lands. I saw and lived in great cities, little towns, villages, and hamlets always marveled and surprised by all sights. I used to enjoy, as free spirits do, little and big things in life; my liberty, my sense of adventure, my friendships. I was one of the most judicious Princes on earth and always set just value on all my deeds and I also foresaw to do whatever it took to gain admiration and be commended in all I did. For my part, I did everything possible to be master of my realm and render my name immortal in the world. I was then a Dreamer! Although born to wealth, for as long as I can remember, however, I had one goal in mind – to be rich. Not just comfortable or well-off but genuinely, breathtakingly wealthy. What I had was never enough. So, one day, I packed my bags and headed straight for New York City, London, Tokyo, Singapore and Shanghai, leaving behind my family, palace and the opulent, yet, simplicity of my youth. I was ready to take on the world of finance with a relentless determination to succeed.
The big cities were everything I imagined — fast-paced, cutthroat, and filled with opportunities to amass the fortune I envisioned. I was a small fish in an enormous pond, but I knew that with grit and tenacity, there was no limit to what I could achieve.
The journey wasn’t easy. Countless sleepless nights, numerous missed family gatherings, and strained friendships were all part of the price I was willing to pay for wealth. And pay it did — by the age of 30, I was a millionaire. A lonely one, though.
But then life threw me a curveball. I couldn’t Dream no more. I got sick of greed. Greed, the insatiable desire for wealth, power, and possessions. I couldn’t think of anything else. With it came a tremendous desire to protect what I already had accumulated. I became suspicious of my family, friends, communities and the governments where I lived. I developed an addiction to possessions and power. I was never contented nor satisfied; I always wanted more and only for myself. At the same time I became afraid. Fear for everything and everybody.
I developed likewise an obsession with news and occurrences in the world that I presumed somehow would limit or endanger what I had. I stopped travelling. No time for that. When I was to be richer I would do so. No time for romance or friendships. When I was to be really rich I would be able to cultivate love and friends. Material goods, money, and riches become my cult; nothing else.
Suddenly I was paralyzed. Had no interest in the world no more. I constantly saw conflict and threats. I had access to more information than ever before, but constantly scrolling through bad news about huge problems like war and conflict, mass shootings, hate-based violence, and climate change became a huge source of stress. I didn’t need to move. I could keep making money and most important I could build barriers around me so no one could take it away. Little by little I started to become petrified. My transformation started with my feet, which slowly petrified, becoming stone.
Suddenly I was alone. I pushed my parents and family away, my friends away. I lost my zest of life. I suddenly had no other companion than a screen where I would tally my gains and where I watched the daily news. Thinking about the sheer amount of awfulness around me was completely overwhelming—even paralyzing. The problems are far too big for any single person to solve them and hence every day my petrification continued. The world can be a pretty terrible place. From personal losses to national tragedies and global disasters and everything in between… It’s easy to feel depressed about the state of the world. I was not immune. I built a fortress around me becoming its prisoner.
My Father, in his ultimate demonstration of love before he died, sent me the guards that you saw sleeping in the other chamber to help me escape form greed’s grip. To no avail. They couldn’t free me.
My addiction and fear of the world was more powerful than their swords and words. Ultimately I condemned them to a sleep from which they’ll never wake up again.
Not too long ago, though, already in the petrified state that you are looking I am in, miraculously, by simply hearing some lost children sing from afar, I’ve realized that unbridled greed for wealth and possessions is a sickness that is the driving force behind wars and conflicts in the world. Unfortunately I can’t move, I can’t run. I am not free. I can’t see the light. I feel the world is oppressive. I fear to lose my money, my status, my life. Don’t want to ever be poor and unprotected. I can’t dream. I have no hope. I’m condemned to become a stone as I am depressed, paralyzed by the state of the world, its politics, its betrayals, the gloomy prospects of more wars and conflict. This is my fate and my future. There is nothing you can do” ----. The young Prince concluded.
---“ The information which your majesty gives me affords me a means of curing your illness” --- Eduardo said and then continued ---“. If your majesty would be pleased to entertain yourself with the most surprising sight that ever was seen I will show you and leave the rest to me. I promise to show you, in a few moments' time, an invitation for you to join me in a most incredible adventure, “ In Search of the Marvelous Lamp “ that if you were to accept shall free you from your sickness and addiction and liberate you from the petrified state you are now in”--- Eduardo said.
Eduardo then went to the screen in possession of the Prince and typed the webpage address. The invitation was there. The Prince with all calm browsed through it, not once but repeatedly many times, reading carefully and trying to understand its meaning.
---“It is an Invitation for you to Dream again”--- Eduardo explained.
---“In this chaotic world of ours where greed permeates every single aspect of our lives is precisely now the right time when we have to Dream, to Love, To Hope. This is the time we have to go to work. Not when everything is fine but especially when it is the time of dread. This is our job. This is what the world is calling us to do”---Eduardo said.
---“I feel foolish”--- said the Prince. After reading your invitation I can now see clearly that despite the crude realities of our world there is still Love, Dream and Hope in the gulags, in cells, in hospital beds, in extermination camps. There is still hope and love in the rubble of Gaza, of Ukraine, in the Rohingya refugee camps in Myanmar and Bangladesh, in the USA immigration detention facilities, and, …. And…. I think …….in my heart”.---
Eduardo continued ---“Don’t misunderstand, though. Dreamers don’t live without tension, struggle, or flaws. What we don’t have nor entertain is fear. We dream and touch the world not when the stage is set perfectly or because we don’t have shortcomings. We dream of great things in spite of them. Most possibly because of them.”---
---“The great Hope I have for this coming adventure and our search is that it will liberate you and others afflicted with sadness and fear, and will create a virtuous circle where, by witnessing tangible examples of love, kindness, understanding, and light, we might feel renewed fuel for our own worthy pursuits, and these will be replicated or contagious to others. These troubled times are precisely when dreamers need to work. To touch and love others. These are no times for despair, no place for self-pity, no need for silence, and no room for fear. We dream, we speak, we communicate, we hope, and we love. This is how our world will heal. Therefore, young Prince, move your limbs, start packing, as you are to be coming with us in Search of the Marvelous Lamp.”---
Eduardo stopped talking. There was nothing more to be said. Now restored to his human form, the Prince followed Eduardo back to his hotel where they sat at the bar and ordered a beer. The Prince has become Eduardo’s friend and will be joining him in the Search of the Marvelous Lamp next September.
They parted ways pretty late into the night. Eduardo’s heart felt lighter. He was ready to go home.
Chapter 11 - The Missing Children II
You are the eyes and ears of our missing children.Your participation in our efforts to bring them home is crucial, and we cannot emphasize its importance enough.We encourage you to delve deep into your memories and help us locate these children. By exploring past recollections, you will reconnect with your inner child and aid in the search. Our Global Children's Center has compiled global resources for governments, law enforcement agencies, NGOs, and families to facilitate the location of these children.Despite concerted efforts, some children remain unfound.In such cases, it is essential for law enforcement agencies to have procedures in place for disseminating information and photographs of missing children at the local, regional, and national levels. . If you have seen any of these children or know their whereabouts, please contact Eduardo at eramos-gomez@duanemorris.com. If the child you are searching for is not featured in the gallery below, we urge you to provide their photograph as soon as possible. Our global resources will be deployed to aid in their location. Thank you for your unwavering dedication to helping us find our missing children.Chapter 12 - An Ebony Horse Ride
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, 21st of March 2025
Eduardo had spent the entire day working, and now it was time to change and head out for dinner. Kuala Lumpur's restaurants were renowned for their excellence, and he was eager to indulge. As he entered the hotel, he stepped into the elevator and pressed the button for his floor. Just as the doors were about to close, a mysterious figure blocked them and slipped in behind him.The elevator didn't stop at Eduardo's floor; instead, it shot upward with unusual speed.---"Don't be alarmed,"--- the stranger said. ---"You will follow me to the rooftop, where an extraordinary sight awaits."---Eduardo recognized the Voice, and as he turned, he saw the man. He was not just old—he was ancient. Bent and bony, bigger than him; his flyaway white hair floated around his head like dandelions gone to seed. He had wrapped himself in a thick knitted black cloak that seemed to envelop himThe elevator doors opened, and Eduardo followed the old man through several corridors and up a flight of stairs. As they reached the rooftop, Eduardo was struck by the breathtaking view of Kuala Lumpur. The old man presented him with a magnificent life-size horse made of ebony wood, adorned with gold and jewels. The horse was saddled and bridled, fit for a king.---"What is the purpose of this wooden horse, and what is its virtue?"--- Eduardo asked while he was marveled with exceeding excitement and was confounded at the beauty of its form and the ingenuity of its fashion. The old man replied, ---"This horse has the power to carry its rider through the air, traversing the distance of a year in a single minute." ---Eduardo was amazed and exclaimed, ---"By Allah, the Omnipotent, this horse is a wonder and a rare invention!"---The Voice commanded, ---"Mount the horse and allow it to take you where you shall behold the earth."--- Eduardo replied, ---"I hear and obey. He is Allah—there is no God except Him: The King, the Most Holy, the All-Perfect, the Source of Serenity, the Watcher of all and The one who protects me”---.He then mounted the horse and struck its sides with the stirrup irons, but it didn't move. The old man showed him a pin on the horse's right side and said,---"Trill this"--- He trilled the pin, and the horse soared into the sky, carrying him higher and higher until they disappeared.The horse gave not over soaring with him till he drew near the sun and saw the curvature of the Earth. Eduardo feared for his life, repenting him of having mounted the horse and saying to himself:--- "Verily, this was irresponsible of me to have mounted a horse when I am not a horse rider, and I have been frightened of horses since I was a child. But there is no Majesty and there is no Might save in Allah, the Glorious, the Great! I am lost without recourse, but I wonder, did not he who made an ascent pin would also have made a descent pin?"---. Eduardo began to explore the horse's mechanisms. He discovered two pins, one on each shoulder, and realized that they controlled the horse's movement. He turned the right-hand pin, whereupon the horse flew heavenward with increased speed. So, he left it, and looking at the sinister shoulder and finding another pin, he wound it up and immediately the steed's upward motion slowed and ceased, and it stopped.Eduardo was in space. He was looking at planet earth from there. Eduardo marveled at the beauty of the planet. He saw the oceans, the continents, and the cities, all bathed in the soft light of dawn.The Earth looked tranquil. The blue ethereal vastness of the oceans harmoniously shared the space with verdant green land—an undercurrent of gentleness and solitude. Beautiful, filled with glowing communities, natural wonders, and striking illumination. The world was bustling with activity and life.
---“How glorious, O Lord”--- Eduardo sighed. ---"Such space and beauty that one can’t tear oneself away!---
Eduardo was seeing the Earth as a gleaming planet suspended in inky darkness, an oasis of life in the silent void, and it filled him with awe.
With tears falling down his cheeks, he described what he was witnessing, his tone hushed. ---“What you have given me is the most profound experience I can imagine,”--- “It’s extraordinary. Extraordinary. I hope I never recover from this.” ---"No one could be briefed well enough to be completely prepared for the astonishing view that I have”--- he exclaimed.
Suddenly Eduardo saw the sun light diminish against a backdrop of sky. He saw a circular piece of that sky appear, suddenly detached, blackened, and backlighted; from nowhere it came and overlapped the sun. It did not look like the moon. It was enormous and black. Eduardo thought of an eclipse. It looked like a lens cover, or the lid of a pot. It materialized out of thin air – black, and flat, and sliding, outlined in flame. Suddenly the earth vibrant and colorful before now lay under darkness and stillness following the closing of the lid. It was not the world he had seen minutes before. Eduardo was seeing planet earth swaddled in darkness; he was seeing a sprawl of black sky and blue sky together, with unfamiliar stars in it.
Our home planet in darkness revealed, to him, a different reality. Darkness is not void of illumination. It is the contrast, the area between light and dark. Darkness reminded him of his believe that darkness is where dreamers and learners of all ages peer into the universe and think of questions about themselves and their space in the cosmos. As Eduardo was seeing our planet in darkness, he noticed a dim light twinkling. Beyond that it gleamed another light, beyond that a third and, some paces away, a fourth, and a fifth, and then he noticed many more lights growing continually closer and brighter. Suddenly there were hundreds of lights glowing giving the dark earth a striking illumination.
The lights were motionless. There seemed to be something in common between them and the stillness of the darkness. It appeared some weighty secret was buried under the eclipse and only the lights knew of it.
As Eduardo was going into ecstasies over the lights, intoxicated by him experiencing a profound feeling of awe and interconnection to Earth and its people, the Voice spoke again, ---"Do you know what those lights are?"---
Eduardo saw hundreds of lights twinkling below; The Voice explained, ---"Those are the lights of your friends, the Dreamers. Each one of them has a spark of light within, a light that grows brighter with every act of kindness and compassion. Inside each one of the Dreamers there is a spark of light. It glows warm like a dancing firefly. Their little light flickers and feeds from the beautiful world. Every sunrise or hearing a bird sing or cuddling someone it grows brighter. The light started to light others.
They were born at just the right time. The time when the world needed the kind of light that their souls grow. They are a gift of light to the world. They grow their light by helping others showing everyone how to love and be loved. It is a sort of magic, but their magic does that. They were born for it; they were born to share their own glow with the people around them. They are the brilliance of our planet when it is in darkness. They are a compilation of stories for close to 90 years. They are a post-world war generation; Cold war, the landing of the moon, post-cold war era, rise of China, children. They’ve lived through all that and so much more. Amongst them they are warriors, refugees, immigrants, survivors of political coups and upheavals in their countries, economic calamities, and crisis. Some have experienced sicknesses and family tragedies. They are the Children of Light, born to share their radiance with the world. They have lived through wars, crises, and upheavals, yet their lights have never dimmed. They are the brilliance of our planet."---.
---"I know”--- Eduardo said and continued, ---"I could never thank God for the gift of their friendship. They enlighten my life. Us Dreamers, we are all connected. We are really all in this together. Our fate is bound up. We may have different nationalities or religions; we might even have different politics, but ultimately, we are connected. Totally connected by our shared humanity and our responsibility to care for the planet. We’re totally connected with life. For my part I can confess, to you, Voice, that I know nothing with any certainty, but the sight of the lights, in the Darkness that I saw engulfed our planet, minutes ago, make me Dream.”---
The Voice then invited Eduardo and the Dreamers to "Dream, Dare, and Do," and to embark on a new adventure in search of the Marvelous Lamp in Morocco. ---”I hear and obey”--- Eduardo answered.Eduardo turned the left-hand pin, this time, whereupon the horse began to descend, little by little, toward the face of the earth. His heart was filled with joy and gladness, and he thanked Almighty Allah for the extraordinary experience. He then began to turn the horse's head whithersoever he would, making it rise and fall at pleasure, till he had gotten complete mastery over its every movement. He ceased not to descend the whole of that evening, for that the steed's ascending flight had borne him afar from the earth, and as he descended, he diverted himself with viewing the various cities and countries over which he passed and which he saw the lights of the Dreamers shining brightly.
As Eduardo overflew the world, he felt a sense of collective identity, destiny, and shared responsibility with the Dreamers. There was much to do with them in a world that seemed lately more fractured and divided than it had been before.
Finally at sunrise Eduardo landed the horse in the roof top of the Hotel Building in Kuala Lumpur.
As he walked into the elevator he found a piece of paper. He picked up and read it aloud, not before smiling,
Dreamers,
Don’t make your light smaller because you might think is too bright for others.
That is impossible.
You can never be too bright.
Chapter 13 - Missing Children III
Breaking News
Moroccan authorities have alerted us that some missing children have been found, while, unfortunately, others remain unaccounted for.
This information suggests a recent update on missing children cases, where some have been located in Morocco and will be reunited with their families, in late September, while the search for others continues.
More details about the specific circumstances of these cases, including the names of the children, the reasons for their disappearance, and the locations where they were found, would be needed to provide a more complete picture.
The ongoing efforts to find the remaining missing children, are ongoing. We need your help. If the child you are searching for remains unaccounted for or you are ready to be reunited with yours, please do contact immediately Antonello or Sonia at Southern Visions so they can provide you with the emotional support in this difficult time and arrange your travels to Morocco for September.
If the child you are searching for is not featured in the gallery below, we urge you to provide their photograph as soon as possible. Our global resources will be deployed to aid in their location.Thank you for your unwavering dedication to helping us find our missing children.
Chapter 14 - A Virtual Encounter
As any normal day, Dreamers connected to their computers to work, check in on messages, respond, and carry on with their normal business and leisure routines.
In their system appeared a link:
https://vimeo.com/1100354421/1ab7777eb8
They clicked on it.
A Message.
Amidst thunder and lightning they heard the Voice and saw a Messenger.
It was a profound experience.
A revelation and the reception of a sacred message.
All was pondered in their hearts.
Dreamers were soon to be united and embark in their journey.
Chapter 15 - The Thousand and Two Nights
It was Sunday night. Dreamers around the World were ready to go to bed.
Suddenly they all thought that it was only two months before they would be landing in Tangier, Morocco.
They felt excited.
As they sat in their beds and laid down, they thought of their inner child. They just couldn’t wait to embrace the little one again.
Under their pillows they found a small scroll.
The Thousand and Two Nights it read.
Under it, a link.
https://youtu.be/0JQsD7QdkBw?si=B-FEALbGXto6B0Bc
They jumped out of bed and ran to their computers.
As they watched, they felt transported to a Dream,
a Magical and Loving Dream.
Soon all was to begin.
It was time to finalize all aspects of the journey.
They just couldn’t wait!
Chapter 16 - Welcome to Tangier
Tangier, Morocco, September 28th, 2025.
The Dreamers had landed in Morocco. They are all now in the Fairmont Tazi Place in Tangiers. All, were accounted for.
They all had arrived from all different corners of the world within the last hours. They all were very excited and happy. To see old and meet new friends was exhilarating. Hugs, kisses, smiles.
The afternoon was gray. The weather wasn’t helping. It looked like it could rain. Nobody cared. The adventure was to begin!
The time had come, though. They all got ready and arrived to where they had been summoned. The Tazi Palace grand Terrace.
Everyone was prepared and ready to go. They all looked fantastic, except for Eduardo. Everyone had adhered to the dress code strictly. Eduardo’s luggage had been lost by the airline. With a heavy heart he would have to dress with what he had and what he could buy while on the journey.
Not an easy task but his excitement, his joy, his happiness of seeing and welcoming and embracing the Dreamers allowed him to convince himself that nothing, nor anyone could dent or spoil his Dream. He was happy and nothing was to change that.
The Dreamers started gathering in the terrace.
The music is soothing, featuring typical Moroccan and Arabic cultural themes.
Suddenly, as to welcome the guests, An Epic Tale, the party’s music theme, started to play.
Eduardo welcomed all the guests. He was accompanied by two of the lost children. Jerry and Nancy Matt.
Eduardo dedicated the party to them. He shared the sad news of Jerry’s accident and recent death, with them. As if by magic Eduardo was able to find a place, for both, in the Dreamers hearts. Jerry and Nancy would be in the trip with them all.
Suddenly a mysterious man arrived…
A melody rises, mysterious yet familiar, as a lone figure steps into the light. It looked like a Grand Entrance – The Beginning of the Journey.
An enigmatic man stands before the Dreamers, draped in robes that shimmer like desert mirages. His voice is rich, knowing, the kind of voice that carries the weight of countless stories.
He smiles, tilts his head, as if recognizing the Dreamers—not for who they are now, but for who they once were. The familiar Arabian Nights Instrumental tune starts playing.
The man addresses all in a loud and firm voice.
--You may not know it yet, but you have walked this path before—, he voiced, and after a pause he continued.
--Not in this lifetime, perhaps. But in stories. In the whispered words of bedtime tales. In the pages you turned with small hands, eyes wide with wonder.
And now, you stand at the threshold of a story that is no longer written for you—but by you.
You have come from different lands, different lives. You have lived different joys, different sorrows. And yet, you are bound by something greater: a shared belief in the extraordinary.
You are here because you chose to dream.
That choice is not a small thing.
In a world that teaches us to fear, you have chosen hope.
In a world that builds walls, you have chosen to open doors.
In a world that teaches us to take, you have chosen to give.
And that is why you are here.
The realization of our shared humanity is the greatest chance we got to create the better world we all wish to see.
As Dreamers, you touch lives beyond your own. You carry stories across oceans. You bring light to places where there is darkness. You are not only part of this journey—you are part of something far greater.--
But be warned… --the road ahead is not without trials!
For what you seek has been hidden, taken away. The Marvelous Lamp is lost.
Or perhaps… it was never truly lost. Perhaps it is waiting—waiting for those who still believe.
Look around you. You are not alone.
Together, you will travel through forgotten cities, across golden dunes, beneath star-strewn skies. You will follow the echoes of stories long past and unravel the mystery of your own hearts.
So, tell me, Dreamers…
Are you ready to begin?--
Without losing a beat, the mysterious man started to sing. The Dreamers recognized the song Will Smith - Arabian Nights (Lyrics).
As the song reaches its final note, he lowers his voice to a whisper.
--And now, my friends… It is time to meet the one you have all been waiting for--.
Stepping aside while the air itself seemed to hush he welcomes a beautiful lady escorted by two gentle guards.
A veil is lifted, revealing Princess Scheherazade.
She stands before the Dreamers, adorned in flowing silks, her presence radiant yet timeless. She studies the Dreamers, one by one, her eyes filled with recognition—not of strangers, but of old friends. And when she speaks, it is not to introduce herself. It is to remind them of who they are.
--I know you.
I have known you since before you knew yourselves. I was there when your nights were endless, when the world was full of wonder, when dreams were bigger than fears.
You may not remember me, but I remember you.
I was there in the whispers of your mother’s voice as she tucked you into bed. I was in the warmth of your father’s embrace when he held you close. I was in the glow of the candlelight, in the hush of the night, in the pages of the stories you clutched tightly before sleep.
And now, here you are. Grown. Travelers of the world. Seekers of something you cannot name.
But let me tell you a secret… you are not here by accident.
You have been summoned—drawn back into a tale as old as time, a story that never truly ended. The lamp has been stolen. The magic is lost. But it can be found again. And only those who still carry the heart of a child can retrieve it.
Look around you. You are not alone.
You have all traveled from different lands, different lives. And yet, once upon a time, you all heard the same stories. You all dreamed the same dreams.
And now, there is something else—someone else—waiting for you to remember.
The lost children.
They have been seen. They are near. They are waiting. You must find them. Not with your eyes, but with your heart. They will not come to you unless you embrace them as your own. And only when they are safe in your arms… will the path to the Lamp reveal itself.
Do you remember how to believe?--
Suddenly, the guards of Scheherazade turn into magic dancers, they carry a “flying carpet” that will land in front of…
Aladdin. There he was, swooping in on a flying carpet, excitement in his voice
--I found it! I know where the lamp is! Hurry, follow me—there’s no time to waste!--
Scheherazade watches him with amused patience, a knowing smile on her lips and laughs. She then addresses Aladdin
-- Ah! ah! Aladdin… always in a hurry to reach the end of the story. But you should know by now… magic does not unfold so easily.
Not yet. Not now. Your time will come, but tonight belongs to the Dreamers. They are not ready—not yet.
Dreamers, your journey begins tomorrow, in the market of Tangier. And your first task and clue is…
Find the Hunchback.
Rest. Tonight, you are my guests. We will meet tomorrow. Remember: Find the Hunchback— she said, and as she walked away, she turned to see all the Dreamers and said in a sweet voice
--Good night, my little Dreamers--.
Suddenly it started to rain. Dreamers rushed into the restaurant. Was it real? Did Aladdin fly in? Was that, Princess Scheherazade? They asked themselves.
The journey had begun. They were happy. They were feeling the love of every Dreamers heart that had assembled.
Life was beautiful. A world as it should be.
As they went back to their rooms, they all found, in their pillows, a pair of little shoes. Children’s shoes for them to be reminded that there was a little child to be found by them.
Pam and Eduardo went back to their room overwhelmed with the love and affection encountered during the evening and thanking God for the blessing of their friends.
Chapter 17 - Into The Cave Of Wonders
Tangier, Morocco, September 29th, 2025.
Medina, Cap Spartel, Yacht Club (Le Mirage), Hercules Cave
Dreamers were up early. As overcast as the weather was, their spirits were cheerful and excited.
Hugs, smiles, sweet encounters, introductions were part of the sumptuous breakfast they all enjoyed this morning.
The time had arrived. Ten beautiful brand-new white vehicles with Pam’s 2025 Party logo, were waiting for them. Guides and their assigned security personnel welcomed them all to board.
Tangier traffic, which normally is heavy on a Monday morning, came to a halt as the convoy of vehicles was escorted to Tangiers Medina without incident whatsoever. It felt as a breeze.
Upon arriving at the Medina, guests began their search for the Hunchback as Princess Scheherazade advised them to do.
Dreamers were split into groups of 12, each one led by their local guide, to explore the Medina and the Kasbah.
At certain points, the groups bumped into each other while along the way, they started to notice strange appearances: Children. These children, however, had the faces of the Dreamers themselves as children.
These mysterious appearances did not interact with the Dreamers but serve them as subtle reminders that this journey was to be special, one where they will rediscover their inner child. As they continue their search in the Medina, the guests encountered more of these childlike visions.
The Medina and the market were filled with real-life characters from the city, but the Dreamers also met peculiar figures, such as a magician in a small shop who performed a magic trick involving a magical carpet.
After the Medina tour – all the groups convened in a square where the vehicles were waiting for them.
Upon reaching the central square, where the cinema is located, the guests notice two film posters titled In Search of the Marvelous Lamp, and they likewise saw….. The NUNS! Yes, the nuns that had accompanied them in numerous occasions around the world. Here they were, in Morocco, if nothing else but to remind them all, of God’s presence in our lives!
The group of Nuns, 6 to be exact, were buying tickets at the box office.
The nuns seemed to be discussing amongst themselves the movie theme and the time of the show when suddenly, The Hunchback of Tangier appeared from a side alley.
The Dreamers looked closely and started listening. The Hunchback was talking waving his hands, walking with a crooked step, with a sly face and a strong voice,
- Sisters… siiiisters… the cinema is not for you… there is no film for you to see………… the dream has already begun… …………somewhere else…
One of the Nuns, a lightly plumb one, unexpectedly and out of character, as they have forever remained silent, turned around abruptly, clearly annoyed and said to The Hunchback
--Oh, what a nuisance! Go away, you blessed creature! Go away !--
The Hunchback pulls back, hides clumsily, then peeks out again and crawls between the legs of passersby and resume his talking addressing the Dreamers
--Say nothing to the sisters… but you… YOU, are expected.
He approaches the group of Dreamers, eyes wide with urgency and whispering as if revealing a forbidden secret
--The flying carpet is waiting… don’t be late! Go to Sinbad! Find Sinbad! Follow the flying carpet! It will lead you to him!
Then he runs off, disappearing.
Suddenly the Dreamers see a Magic Carpet, parked in front of them, inviting to be followed. The carpet is to be guiding them. There’s no time to hesitate. The Dreamers must go.
Police escort arrives. Dreamers board their vehicles and off they go!!
The cart picks up speed, moving through the narrow streets of the city. It turns sharply, dodging merchants and startled pedestrians. The wheels rattle over the cobblestones as it follows an unpredictable path, as if being led by the carpet itself. The smell of the sea grows stronger. The buildings become fewer. The road turns to sand. The cart comes to a sudden stop. The vehicles stop. Where are they?, they all question.
Eduardo guides them and leads the way. They all follow two handsome guards that escort them to a gate. Sinbad’s home. They have been invited. Sinbad was expecting them to come.
As the gates opened, they all started to walk into a beautiful garden and suddenly see an unexpected view. They are in front of the Light House, Cap Spartel, where the Atlantic Ocean meets the Mediterranean Sea. The Dreamers were mesmerized. It was a spectacular view.
As it from thin air a man on top of the light house started addressing them. What was he saying? who was he? the Dreamers were asking around.
--It’s Sinbad, It’s Sinbad,-- a very excited Eduardo told everyone, --listen to him-
-- Welcome Dreamers. Welcome to my humble abode. Please walk in. Make yourself comfortable and eat! Plenty of viands have been prepared for you. I’ll be down with you in a second.
Feel comfortable. My house is your house--.
The dreamers enjoy the gardens and the view, then, they were escorted to a pretty size gazebo where tables had been set for them all to have a nice lunch and a drink. As the Dreamers were finishing their meal Sinbad walked into the room to address them…
--So, you have found your way to the shore. Good.-- Sinbad said, only to continue…
--You must be the Dreamers. I’ve heard so much about you. I have crossed many oceans, faced storms that could swallow entire fleets, battled creatures that belong only in nightmares… and yet, I have never seen anything as dangerous as the path you are about to take.
Because what you seek is not just a treasure. It is something far rarer.
I have spent my life chasing the horizon, believing that beyond the next wave, beyond the next voyage, I would find the one thing that would finally make me whole. And do you know what I discovered?
Nothing is ever truly lost.
Not the sun when it disappears beneath the sea. Not the stars when the clouds try to hide them. Not even the dreams we let go of, thinking they are too far to reach.
Everything waits to be found again.
And that is why you are here.
You search for the Marvelous Lamp, but the Lamp is only the beginning. The real journey is something greater.
Today, you are my guests. The sea has always been kind to those who seek, and you have come a long way. So, drink, eat, celebrate—because soon, the real challenge begins.-
He lifts a cup, offering a toast to the Dreamers.
--But before you grow too comfortable, let me warn you…
You are not the only ones searching.
Jafar knows of your journey. He has watched from the darkness, waiting, waiting for you to lead him to what he cannot reach alone. He knows where the Lamp is hidden, but he cannot take it—not without you.
You see; to unlock the door, he needs something he does not have.
A pure heart. A dreamer’s soul. A diamond in the rough.
And that, my friends, is why you must be careful. Because he will try to use you. He will make you believe you are powerless. He will make you doubt.
But doubt is only the wind on the surface of the sea. And you? You are the tide.
So, be ready. Drink now, for tonight, the storm comes.
After Sinbad’s welcome words, the Dreamers had coffee and tea in the gardens. They had a nice time talking to each other, exchanging stories, and catching up. Thereafter the Dreamers were taken back to the Palace where they were staying to rest and get ready for the evening.
When they arrived, the Dreamers encountered some children — the lost children —they appeared briefly only to disappear again.
At 6 pm in the afternoon, the motorcade of vehicles left the Palace for cocktails and dinner at Le Mirage Yacht Club.
Spectacular place. Wonderful drinks, outstanding and beautiful sunset in front of the ocean, The Atlantic Ocean in all its splendor.
As the Dreamers were enjoying their drinks talking about the very eventful day they have had, suddenly and unexpectedly Jafar and Lago, his Parrot, made an entrance that shocked all
--Ah… so it is true.—Jaffar said as Lago kept whispering in this ear.
--They are here. The ones I have been searching for. How fortunate. How fascinating.
You see, I have traveled far, crossed deserts, scaled mountains, whispered through the halls of forgotten palaces… all in pursuit of a single, elusive treasure. Not gold. Not jewels. Not riches fit for sultans.
No… I seek something far rarer. I seek… a Diamond in the Rough.
Jaffar’s eyes scanned the space as if weighing the very air, searching for something invisible yet unmistakable, only to then continue
--Yes… there are a few among you. I can sense it. The purity, the naivety, the untapped potential. You do not yet know your worth, do you? How amusing.
But come, we must not linger. There is a door—an ancient gate, hidden beyond time, veiled in secrecy, unseen by common eyes. It leads to the resting place of the Marvelous Lamp. Yet, this door does not yield to just anyone. No brute force, no incantation, no stolen key can break its seal. It requires something far more delicate. Something only, you possess.
You are the key.
You, with your unclouded hearts. You, who still hear the echoes of childhood dreams. You, who have not yet been poisoned by the weight of the world. You… will open the way. Follow me. Step forward. Prove yourselves. And in return… I will grant you a glimpse of a world beyond your wildest imagination.
The time has come. The Lamp awaits.
Now you have a choice: heed my call and step into the unknown, or turn back… but who, after coming this far, would dare refuse the path to destiny?
The Dreamers, led by Jafar, were, within minutes, brought to the entrance of the Cave of Wonders.
In front of the door the Dreamers are instructed to repeat the following words --"Yes, we are the Dreamers."--
They must repeat it, louder each time. To everyone’s surprise and amazement suddenly and magically, the entrance to the cave opened.
The Cave of Wonders was there for the Dreamers to walk and venture in.
As the Dreamers walk into the Cave of Wonders, it was not what they expected. It appears empty, bare, with no treasures or riches. But, turning the corner… magnificent tables are set, as if for a royal banquet.
The guests sit down, and the menu reveals the explanation for this strange empty cave: the true treasures, the real wonders, are the opportunities in life to share wonderful memories with the people we love, just as they were doing at that very moment. At the end of the evening, Princess Scheherazade reappears to congratulate the guests because they have found the place where the Marvelous Lamp is kept.
The air is thick with anticipation as the guests wait for the grand moment—the unveiling of the Marvelous Lamp. Jafar is there with them; he is waiting for the moment.
Scheherazade steps forward, her presence calm yet filled with expectation.
--This journey has brought you far, through cities and deserts, through mystery and wonder. And now, at last, the moment has come.
The Lamp—the treasure you have been seeking—rests beneath this black veil. A relic of ancient power, of dreams made real. And soon, you shall see it with your own eyes.
Scheherazade pauses, letting the tension build amongst the Dreamers. After a moment, with a swift motion, the veil is lifted… but the space beneath is empty. A White Dove flies out from the veil giving the Dreamers a sense of peace. The Lamp is gone, they all have discover that there is nothing underneath the veil! The lamp has been stolen once again. And so, the search for the magical lamp continues!
Jafar is furious! He pushes Scheherazade and runs away.
Princess Scheherazade with a very sweet tone of voice starts addressing the Dreamers again….
--No.
No, no, no… This cannot be.
The Forty Thieves. These despicable guys! They have taken it.
They have taken it.
Not men… not bandits with swords or faces.
But the real thieves.
The Forty Thieves that plague our world.
I saw them. I know their names.
I know them because they walk among us, and within us.
Ignorance…
Hatred…
Greed…
Racism…
Violence masked as justice…
Fear disguised as order…
Silence in the face of pain…
Poverty left to rot in the sun…
Power that feeds only itself…
Lies dressed in fine suits…
And the slow, cruel forgetting—
Of the Earth…
Of the Truth…
Of the Sacred.
These are the true Forty Thieves.
They took the Lamp.
But they will not keep it.
Even here, inside the Cave of Wonders, the shadows creep where we least expect. And so, our journey is not yet over.--
Princess Scheherazade turns back to the Dreamers , a knowing glint in her eyes—because no story truly ends so easily, and says to them…
--Tomorrow, we continue the search. The path ahead is still unknown, but one thing is certain—we must follow the Hunchback. I saw him vanished into the shadows, making his way to the train station…
We must take the train to Meknes. Yes—Meknes. That ancient city of secrets.
That is where he will be. He knows the road ahead… He may not speak much, but he sees more than most.
Follow him. Trust him. For the Marvelous Lamp still calls to us— And he may be the only one who can lead us there.
Rest now, Dreamers.
Gather your strength.
The adventure is far from finished.—
Pondering all that had happened during a very eventful day the Dreamers went back to their hotel to sleep, rest, and find the energy to continue their Search. Much is needed to be done.
Chapter 18. The banquet of Cleopatra
Tangier, Meknes, Volubilis, Chateau Roslane, Fès,
September the 30th, 2025
The most significant legacy of Marc Antony and Cleopatra in modern-day Mauretania is through their daughter,
who became queen of the Roman client kingdom of Mauretania.
Her rule, alongside her husband King Juba II, left a lasting impact through major building projects.
After her parents' defeat and deaths, Cleopatra Selene was raised in Rome by her mother's enemy, Octavian (later Emperor Augustus).
She was strategically married to King Juba II of Mauretania, and their rule turned the kingdom into a flourishing and prestigious province.
She was a powerful and influential monarch who promoted a mixed Greek-Egyptian-Roman culture in her kingdom.
It’s early morning in Tangier. Sunny, clear skies. While they eat their breakfast, Dreamers can’t stop talking about their Cave of Wonders visit the previous night.
Everyone seems to be enjoying a feeling of camaraderie and friendship that has permeated into the hearts of all newcomers. To see the Dreamers is to smile. All hotel staff have been captivated by them and they couldn’t be more gracious, accommodating, and welcoming.
The convoy of Pam’s Party white vehicles are in line, waiting for the Dreamers to board. This morning the dreamers must head to Tangier’s Train station.
As they approach the monumental esplanade of the station, they see the Hunchback. He is running towards the station platforms without entering the main building. The Dreamers follow.
Suddenly the Dreamers are on a platform where, what it looks like a private train, is waiting for them. The Hunchback is there, standing on the platform, preparing to board the train.
--Go to Menkes, board the train-- The Hunchback, firmly orders them.
The Dreamers board the train. No tickets, no announcements, no crowds. They all feel as if they just crossed to another dimension, time has stopped for them, they feel a shift in reality.
Two carriages. Its only them. A train for them? Where are they going? No other passengers on board.
It is a clean and comfortable train. They are on their way to Menkes. A city in central Morocco, situated between the Middle Atlas Mountains and the Fès region.
Once on the train and as the train picks up speed the Dreamers receive from the conductor nicely packed refreshment boxes. Likewise, two newsies are on board the train, handing out to them the day’s Tangier Gazette, newspaper.
The 3 headlines on it are unusual:
“Princess Scheherazade has awakened after 1,000 years.”
“Dreamers spotted in the Medina of Tangier.”
“Lost Children Reunited”
They all read the news avidly and enjoy seeing the pictures of Princess Scheherazade as well as pictures of the lost children they are hoping to find.
It is a nice train ride. Its calm. The view from the window train is both soothing and diverse, transitioning from bustling cityscapes to tranquil olive groves, sunbaked plains, and even glimpses of the distant, majestic Atlas Mountains and Atlantic coast.
Upon arrival at Meknes Station, the Dreamers see the Hunchback again. He’s there! Pacing on the platform. They must get off the train. It is simple. They must follow him!
The platform is crowded. A lot of people. There is confusion. The Dreamers are trying to stay together.
As the Dreamers approach the station exit, the Chief Station Manager suddenly steps in front of them, shouting:
--"Stop right there!!"--
A tense pause… then suddenly, a Security officer of the Station, shouts back,
--"Let them through! They're going to miss the train!!"--
Confusion spreads—what train? Who are they talking about? And then, The Dreamers see them... the Nuns!
The same Nuns from before, suddenly appear, walking swiftly, calmly, in perfect order through the station. The crowds open a path for them. There is silence. Suddenly the station is calm.
Following behind them, struggling to keep up, is the plump Nun. The chubby Nun is late, panting as she tries to reach the rest of the group.
From behind the crowd, the Hunchback suddenly appears again and shouts at her:
--"Wait!! Where are the Dreamers supposed to go?"--
The chubby nun stops, looking flustered. She tries to remember the name of the place, struggling to recall it. Then—suddenly—it comes to her!
-- To the winery! Chateau Roslane…………. but, but they must first, go to Volubilis! The Ancient City!"
With that, the Nuns continue their way, disappearing into the crowd.
The Dreamers exit the station. As they walk through the station’s esplanade, they see the white vehicles convoy waiting for them. Their drivers, their guides. Familiar smiles and welcoming faces. How could it be? We’re not them the same who took them to the Station in Tangier? How come they are here? Was it all a dream?
The Dreamers boarded the vehicles, and the convoy headed towards Volubilis.
Volubilis is a romanticized view of a Roman city in Mauretania, known for its well-preserved ruins that evoke a sense of history and ancient grandeur.
Its crumbling temples, grand villas adorned with intricate mosaics, and towering triumphal arch against a dramatic mountain backdrop create a vivid picture of a once-thriving, prosperous center of Roman life.
The name itself, derived from a Berber word meaning "winding," and its location on a fertile plateau also add to its allure. A city of grandeur.
Volubilis was the capital of the Roman province of Mauretania Tingitana, boasting grand architecture like the Arch of Caracalla and the Capitol, complete with its temple to Jupiter. It features elaborate houses named after the mythological tales depicted in their mosaics, such as the House of the Tasks of Hercules and the House of Venus. The mosaics themselves, with scenes of mythological love stories and daily life, add a layer of romanticism to the ruins.
A historical crossroads: Volubilis was a hub of commerce and culture, a meeting point between Roman and indigenous Berber worlds. The city's fertile lands, particularly its olive oil industry, enriched the region and the empire, making it a significant and prosperous outpost of Roman civilization. A testament to the ages: Despite its eventual decline, the ruins of Volubilis continue to tell the story of a vibrant, sophisticated city that existed at the edge of the Roman world. It's a place where the past is palpable, with cobblestone streets that once teemed with life and magnificent structures that still stand against the Moroccan landscape.
The Dreamers thought Volublis was magnificent. Magical. After their visit they boarded their vehicles. They were thirsty and hungry. It was time to go to Chateau Roslane for lunch and a good glass of wine.
As they arrive to their destination, something unusual happens. An unexpected encounter. Two centurions are waiting for them blocking the entrance to the property.
As they allow them to get closer from a distance, a regal figure appears, moving gracefully through the doors of the property she walks and seats in a throne just placed at the entry.
She is flanked by the centurions.
It is Cleopatra Selene, the daughter of Cleopatra and Mark Antony!
She is there to welcome the Dreamers.
--You have just visited Volubilis! The Ancient City where history and myth entwine.
Those ruins were once the home of a woman who was born in a palace and died in exile—
a woman who, like you, searched for something lost… something stolen from her.
I am that woman.
My name is Cleopatra Selene—daughter of Cleopatra and Mark Antony.
A princess of Egypt, raised in Rome as a captive, given in marriage to a foreign king, and sent to rule over distant lands.
Volubilis and this valley were my city. My final kingdom.
But Cleopatra Selene carried with her more than just a crown.
She carried a secret.
They say that before her mother, Cleopatra the Great, took her last breath,
she whispered a prophecy to her daughter—
a vision of a treasure beyond gold,
a power beyond thrones.
Some believe she spoke of the Marvelous Lamp itself.
When I arrived in Volubilis, I searched…
Night after night, I wandered through shadows and ruins,
believing the lamp was hidden here—
far from Rome, far from Egypt.
I believed that whoever found it could rewrite fate itself.
Bring back lost empires.
Lost love.
Lost time.
And now…
It is hard—so hard—to watch other Dreamers dream…
As I once dreamed.
I have suffered for this dream.
But perhaps…
Perhaps my suffering was not in vain.
Perhaps Cleopatra and Mark Antony’s secret was not meant for me—
but for you.
You are not here by chance.
You have been chosen.
The powerful ones of the past left behind a mission…
And we—you—are the ones called to complete it.
Dreamers… May your courage outshine the darkness.
May you find what I could not.--
At that moment, something strange happens.
The adjacent gardens seem to shimmer for an instant, and the Dreamers see reflections—glimpses of themselves as children, moving among the garden, laughing, running, playing. It is as if they have stepped into a memory they had forgotten—a moment of pure wonder when they still believed in magic.
Then, Cleopatra Selene, moved to tears speaks, gentle yet powerful, again,
--"The past is a whisper. The future is a dream.
If you seek the treasure, do not look forward—Look within. The lamp is not in the past. It is not in the future. It is in the hands of the one who dares to believe”--
Cleopatra Selene, then, disappears………….
The Dreamers walk into the property. Beautiful courtyard and gardens. Two buffet lines and pretty tables await for them. The winery has produced the wine they have been enjoying since their arrival to Morocco. The Medallion, both in white and rosé. Such production has been labelled specially for them. “In Search of The Marvelous Lamp’ Pam’s Party 2025” the labels read.
With wine in hand in this magical setting, The Dreamers are invited to enjoy Princess Scheherazade, accompanied by children of the Orphanage and a choir, the performance of the song “You will be Found” by Dream Evan Hansen.
After the song performance, The Dreamers gather around a mysterious box, covered by a black veil. Their anticipation growing. The Dreamers feel that Jafar is with them… again. He is spying on them. Some of them can see him watching over and waiting for the moment.
Scheherazade steps forward, her presence steady, her voice filled with certainty.
-We have traveled far. We have followed the whispers of the past, searched through stories long forgotten, and stood in the places where legends once lived.
And now, once again, the moment has come.
Beneath this veil lies the answer we seek—the Lamp that has eluded us, the key to the magic that has guided our path--.
She pauses, a small, knowing smile on her lips, only to continue,
--Or so we believed—
She pulls the veil away… but the box is empty. A white dove flies out. The moment stretches—stillness, disbelief. Then, she exhales, shaking her head slightly.
--They have taken it.
Again.
The Forty Thieves. They are always one step ahead, always in the shadows, always watching.--
She turns back to the travelers, her voice unwavering.
--And so, once again, the Lamp escapes our grasp.
But as long as the night returns… so shall I.
For I am Scheherazade and every night, I begin a new story. And tomorrow, you are the new story.
Tonight’s tale ends here, among vines and shadows.
But tomorrow’s tale… lies hidden in the labyrinths of Fès
Fès: the city of whispering walls and ancient riddles.
Where secrets wear the veil, and truth hides in the folds of silk.
There, perhaps, the next page of this tale will be revealed.
There, perhaps, the Marvelous Lamp awaits.
Let us follow the thread.
Let us chase the next breath of the story.
For the tale is not over…
and I have more to tell --.
She pauses. Jafar steps forward, grave, certain. He then in a loud voice says..
-- Fès holds the key.
I saw it in a dream—
a door beneath the city, and a child holding fire.
We must go.--
Scheherazade with a tender smile addresses the Dreamers, again,
--We have no choice but trust him… for the moment. We will follow him. Now, please, enjoy your lunch, drink, be happy, play!! And continue to Fès so you can rest…..—
The Dreamers were overwhelmed with emotions. The beauty of the Winery gardens, the lunch, the good wine, the camaraderie, the encounter with Cleopatra Selena and her poignant words, the romantical beauty of Roman Volubilis, in Morocco, the extraordinary weather and the sight of the Atlas Mountains, combined with the orphanage children performance, were a perfect blend of cocktail where seemingly contrasting positive emotions coexist and complement each other, resulting in a profound sense of well-being and anticipation.
The Dreamers enjoyed their lunch, played Education for Sharing games, and soon thereafter left.
They were all separated into different vehicles in the white convoy, depending on the Riad they were to be staying in Fès.
As the sun dips behind the ancient rooftops, they arrived to Fès. The city is bathed in a golden, amber, and rose light, transforming it into a beautiful, almost magical scene that seems to invite the Dreamers into its historic embrace. As the Dreamers walked into their Riads, they stepped into a story of romance and timeless elegance, serenity, or enduring devotion. The riad's tranquil atmosphere, intricate tilework, and private courtyards filled with the scent of jasmine and orange blossoms, offered them a peaceful sanctuary from the bustling city outside, inviting them into a world of intimate experiences.
Dreamers loved their accommodations. They were tired. Too much to ponder in their hearts.
In their rooms they all found a gift. A splendid Charcuterie and cheese platter. A feeling of belonging and togetherness overcame them. They found comfort and strength in that moment, preparing them for whatever lay ahead.
Chapter 19.
1st of October, 2025
Fès
Unesco
World Heritage Site.
The Dreamers woke up in their Riads to a beautiful Wednesday bright and sunny morning. They were excited to discover the city, its amazing history, and its secrets.
They had a “free day” to enjoy, relax and explore!
Walking through the alleys of Fès was a romantic journey into a labyrinth of history, sensory delights, and intimate discoveries, where a shared sense of getting lost became part of the adventure.
As the Dreamers walked, accompanied by guides and security, the small groups experienced a blend of the ancient and the vibrant, with the sensuous scent of spices and orange blossoms while the echo of artisan workshops provided the soundtrack to their exploration. They saw breathtaking views from quiet courtyards or distant hillsides creating, for all of them, a sense of timeless connection.
The Medina's narrow, winding alleys, often compared to a maze, where each turn revealed hidden courtyards, centuries-old buildings, and a feeling of being transported back in time, transformed their journey into a shared adventure of discovering Secret spaces: —a quiet riad courtyard with a gurgling fountain, a sun-dappled garden, or a quiet rooftop offering panoramic views of the sprawling city and distant mountains. The Dreamers likewise found intimate moments in spots like the Jnan Sbil gardens, where the beauty and tranquility inspire quiet conversation and a sense of shared serenity or when reaching a stunning vantage point like Bab Bou Jeloud, made them feel like a secret shared amongst themselves.
Fès was a city that whispered love: The city's romantic atmosphere is captured in the idea that every alley and garden "whispers tales of love and longing," making it an ideal place for the Dreamers to create lasting memories together.
As the day progressed and the Dreamers wondered through the winding streets of the Medina, Jafar was seen by many of them lurking in the shadows— he was spotted appearing now and then, trying to capture one of the Lost Children, but the Nuns were always nearby. With swift resolve, they intervened— protecting the children, shielding their innocence.
Just before lunch as the Dreamers were arriving to a wonderful lunch at Ishq a silent battle unfolded amidst the ancient alleyways nearby. It was clear darkness was reaching out and our guardians of light were holding the line to protect them.
Dreamers had a wonderful lunch and a well-deserved glass of wine. After lunch, their exploration of the city continued, getting a chance, likewise, of doing some great shopping before going back to their Riads to relax and get ready for a gala dinner at Riad Fès and celebrate Moroccan fine cuisine.
Dreamers arrived for dinner at Riad Fès Palacete. A hidden gem in Fès, described as an incredibly beautiful 14th-century Moorish palace with stunning architectural details only to be welcomed by Princess Scheherazade, dressed in a beautiful white gown which only was a canvas for her soul's expression of purity and beauty.
--Good evening, dream travelers…
Welcome to Fès.
You have crossed the ruins, listened to the echoes of centuries and the whispers of olive trees. And now, you’ve arrived in the beating heart of Moroccan history. Fès… the City of Gates, the City of Knowledge. Ancient, mysterious, alive.
Tonight, beneath this sky of stars and fragrances, I, Scheherazade, invite you into another story. Not one written on paper, but a tale cooked, spiced, and offered through the open hands of Moroccan tradition.
Fès is the oldest of the imperial cities, home to the first university in the world. Its streets are mazes of the soul, its houses guard centuries of wisdom, and its kitchens… oh, its kitchens are temples of love and memory.
Tonight, you will taste the deep Morocco through its food. The spices will speak to you like ancient oracles: cinnamon, sweet as wisdom; cumin, sharp as truth; saffron, noble as desert light.
You will savor dishes that tell the story of many peoples: Berber, Arab, Andalusian, Jewish… all have left a trace, a note, a secret. The tajine will speak of patience and waiting, the couscous of community and sharing, the honey sweets of promises made at sunset.
As music carries ancient melodies and Berber wine warms your smiles, remember that in every dish there is a story, and in every bite, a world.
Tonight, you are in the heart of Fès… but also in the heart of Morocco. And Morocco is speaking to you. Listen to it with a full belly and a light soul.
And if tomorrow you must continue your journey, may this night remain engraved in your memory… like one of the thousand and one nights.—
As Scheherazade concluded The Dreamers felt welcome. What a lovely message and invitation to enjoy Moroccan food. A treat. Birthdays amongst the Dreamers were acknowledged and celebrated with Happy Birthday songs and candle blowing. A wonderful evening.
Eduardo took the microphone, there was an announcement to be made. He started by apologizing. Not very good news. The airplane that was to take them in flight to Marrakech, the next morning, had been prevented of landing in Fès. He was taking full responsibility. All afternoon he had been working with the team to save the flight and logistics to no avail.
The Dreamers would have to make the trip by road. He had secured transportation by bringing back the white vehicles fleet with guides and security personnel, to accompany them.
Dreamers were kind and understanding and their thoughtfulness comforted Eduardo, enabling him to feel better about the circumstances.
As the dinner was about to finish Scheherazade appeared amongst them, once more,
-- Noble travelers, my little Dreamers,
Tonight, you have tasted the oldest beauty of Morocco—not only in flavors, spices, and scents… but in the very soul of this land. Fès is not only a city of history; it is a city of memory. A mother of knowledge, a keeper of art and wisdom.
You have walked among stones where centuries of pilgrims, scholars, and poets once passed. You have dined as one would, at the grand feasts of the sultans.
And now, as the night draws near, and the scent of mint tea fills the air…---
A lost children approaches Scheherazade silently. He interrupts her by handing her a sealed letter. She looks at it with curiosity.
--A letter? For me? No… It is addressed to you, Dreamers.
The seal is unmistakable. It’s him.--
Scheherazade opens it slowly and begins to read aloud,
A men’s voice is heard. It’s the letter. "The letter is being read by the Princess, but the Dreamers, by magic, can listen to the voice of the one that is the writer of it
--Dearest Dreamers,
I have heard of your journey—of your footsteps echoing through the sacred streets of Fès, of the stories you've begun to collect.
But your adventure is far from over.
I write to you from Marrakech, the red jewel of the desert. A place where secrets are whispered in lantern-lit alleys, and dreams take form beneath a thousand stars.
I invite you to my table.
A feast awaits you—one unlike any you have ever known.
Come find me. Follow the stars and the sound of the drums.
I’ll be waiting...
Ali Baba--
As the Dreamers heard and recognize the familiar and famous name of the letter’s sender, Scheherazade said to them….
--A name known to all, yet whose story remains untold... until now. -- So now… dear Dreamers, the path is clear. The stars have spoken. Ali Baba has called.
Tomorrow, we journey to Marrakech. A new tale awaits us— and I, as always, will be there to tell it to you. One night, one story at a time.
The Dreamers went to sleep. They were happy, excited, and ready for what the next day could bring…..
Chapter 20 - Open Sesame
2nd of October, 2025
Fès - Marrakesh
The Hidden dinner at Dar Yacout
Eduardo woke up very, very early. Too much to be done. The cancellation of the charter flight was an incredible inconvenience and now the Dreamers need to arrive to Marrakesh by road.
It was to be a very long journey and Eduardo pleaded with the team to make it as comfortable and easy as possible, for the Dreamers. Luggages had been collected and was en route to Marrakesh so it could make it to everyone’s rooms before their arrival. The convoy of white vans with guides and security personnel had been recalled back to Fès, and would be ready for a sunrise departure.
The road trip needed to have a break mid-way. Eduardo chose a beach resort near Rabat for it. Part of the team had left in the first hours of the day to arrange it. Dreamers not only were to need a break, but they should be welcomed to have a nice and sumptuous breakfast, midway.
Everyone was ready. Dreamers boarded their vehicles and met at a road juncture where all the vans gathered to start the trip. Eduardo was overwhelmed as instead of grumpy faces he didn’t see other than smiles and excitement for what the day was to bring.
Dreamers, slept, read and conversed during the first hours of the transfer. They were all amazed as the sunrise bathed the majestic scenery, evoking in all of them feelings of wonder and appreciation for nature's beauty. Few hours later they were all welcomed into the Conrad Rabat Arzana. The well-known Cafe Del Mar had been privatized for their breakfast.
Dreamers welcomed the stop. Breakfast and setting were delicious and beautiful. Without rushing and fully energized for the second part to the journey they left and looked forward to Marrakesh, The Red City.
As the Dreamers were approaching Marrakesh, a city where history and vibrant life are intrinsically linked to its distinctive color and the surrounding natural landscape, they saw the sun reflecting off its walls which evoked on them a feeling of awe and anticipation. The city’s colors red and ochre, due to the specific hue of the local clay and red sandstone used in its buildings and historic ramparts, was a preparation, for all of them, of the unique, sensory experience that awaited them. A police escort awaited the convoy in the outskirts of the city and guided them without stops or traffic, through the bustling city, to their lunch destination at Dar Rhizlane.
Dreamers had a very nice and relaxed lunch and experienced a moment of perfect serenity and joy in a beautiful Riad garden. The blend of food, drinks, nature, and shared laughter created a memorable, almost surreal atmosphere, leaving them feeling as though they were living inside a beautiful story.
After lunch, the Dreamers went to their hotel and checked in. Although a bit chaotic, to Eduardo’s disgust, it didn’t take long for all of them to be in their rooms. They had not much time as they had been summoned to be in the front door of the property and continue their Search, just before sunset.
Once out of the Hotel, the Dreamers saw a row of horse carriages lined up on the street that were to transport them on a meandering journey toward the Medina. Escorted by traffic police a convoy of carriages departed the property squishing amongst the terrible traffic of Marrakesh and giving the Dreamers a bit more of the sights of the area creating even more of a spectacle than the carnival like atmosphere already beginning to emerge on the square where they were going.
Minutes after, the carriages stopped, and the Dreamers stepped down of them. They were to walk down a narrow street following two handsome, mysterious, lantern men beckoning them to follow. Along the way, they noticed strange, masked children—each wearing faces that resemble the guests as they were in childhood. Some of them were hiding among spice containers, peeking out like silent observers of the journey, others in the corners or in windows of the houses seen along the way.
As the Dreamers walked through the medina, they suddenly arrived at a bustling street market in a hidden square. The air was filled with the smells of tagines, grilled meats, and freshly baked bread, alongside local specialties like snail soup and chebakia pastries. Within the small market there were several performers. There was a snake charmer coaxing cobras with double-reed pipes, and a trainer with a big Barbary macaque that performed simple tricks and took pictures with the Dreamers in exchange for tips. There were likewise a few vendors and stalls overflow with a myriad of goods, including colorful towers of local spices, hand-beaten copperware, intricate lanterns, and woven carpets, creating a visual feast alongside the sounds and smells. Local neighbors watched the Dreamers enjoy the market and what it had to offer, and children started to intermingle with them while they were offered to eat some of the grilled meats.
As the Dreamers were enjoying the market feast, a Storyteller surrounded by lanterns started to address them, His voice rising gently above the night.
--Welcome, seekers of wonder, wanderers of dreams...
Tonight, before you feast with Ali Baba himself, allow me to share a tale born of shadow and gold.
Long ago, in a land not unlike this, there lived a humble woodcutter named Ali Baba. One day, in the depths of the forest, he stumbled upon a hidden cave—its mouth sealed by a stone so vast, no man could move it.
But the cave held a secret. A secret guarded by forty thieves and cloaked in ancient spells.
Ali Baba, hiding among the trees, heard them speak the words…
Words that cracked open the mountain like thunder splits the sky.--
The Storyteller pauses allowing his silence to stretch… while walking to the very end of the square where some black curtains open and the Dreamers can see an entry door to a house, and then continued….
--Inside…… treasures beyond imagination. Jewels like stars, gold like rivers, silks soft as whispers.
But Ali Baba took not for greed… he took for justice, for family, for a future free of chains.
And now, dear guests… you too stand at the threshold of mystery.
The house of Ali Baba lies beyond this very door. But it will not open with keys of iron or gold.
No—
It opens only for those who still believe in wonder.
For those who still carry a child’s courage.
For those who can speak the words...---
The Storyteller then raises his hand. The lantern men start to move towards the Dreamers, illuminating their faces and then asking them: are you a dreamer?
--If you are a dreamer… Say it with me now—
-- Open Sesame!—said the Dreamers loudly.
In that instant the doors open, the Storyteller led the Dreamers to a revealing opulent hall illuminated by the soft glow of lanterns. A fountain stands at the center, its waters reflecting the flickering light. The scent of spices and incense lingers in the air. The Dreamers are led to the rooftop of the property where cocktails, and a magnificent view of Marrakesh’s medina awaits them all. After enjoying a good cocktail hour, a figure emerges from the shadows—a man with a presence both commanding and familiar.
Ali Baba steps forward, studying the travelers before him. His eyes glint with the wisdom of a man who has lived through stories, his voice rich with the weight of knowledge.
--Dreamers, You have come far.
I see it in your faces, in the dust on your robes, in the questions behind your eyes. You have followed the whispers, the signs, the riddles woven into this journey. And now, you stand here, in the house of a man who once uttered the very words that brought you to this door:
“Open Sesame.”
Yes, I know why you have come. You seek the Magic Lamp—the same treasure that has eluded kings, thieves, and dreamers for centuries. But let me tell you what happened… Aladdin has arrived before you. Yes—Aladdin, the boy who once had nothing but a dream in his pocket and courage in his heart. He found the Lamp. He claimed its light. And with that light, he became more than anyone ever expected.
He is now… a Prince. Prince Ali. But do not be jealous, my friends. Do not despair. For Aladdin is generous. Aladdin is wise. He has not forgotten the other Dreamers—the ones who travel not for power, but for purpose. And so, he sends you an invitation. Tomorrow, he will ride in glory to the palace of the Sultan, to present himself to Princess Jasmine in a grand parade through the streets leading to the Palace.
And he wants you there.
He wants you all to witness it. To stand by his side as honored guests, as fellow seekers, as friends. For a dream fulfilled alone is only half a dream.
So tomorrow, you go to the Kasbah.
Wait for him there. Watch the streets. Listen for the music.
He will come. And when he does… a new chapter will begin.
But beware...
Even now, not all eyes that watch you are kind.--
Ali Baba then lowers his voice and whispers….
While the Storyteller is still talking the Dreamers see in the shadows Jafar. He is listening and watching them from a hidden corner. As they see him, he suddenly disappears and Ali Baba resumes
--The Forty Thieves do not sleep. And neither does Jafar. But tonight… tonight, you, my very dear Dreamers, you are safe. Tonight, you are not seekers. Tonight, you are my guests.
Welcome, please. Sit. Eat. Enjoy. Let the walls of this house shield you for a little while. The world beyond these doors can wait. For soon enough… your journey will begin again.—
The Dreamers obeyed. They took their seats in the main floor. Beautiful tables, good music, excellent food. They were all excited as tomorrow they were to join now Prince Ali in his quest to conquer the heart of Princess Jasmine. Eduardo thought how remarkable it was that none of the Dreamers felt a bit of jealousy or envy as Aladdin had beaten them finding the Lamp they had been searching for. What beautiful souls his friends had. They were happy for Aladdin. They found extraordinary that, tomorrow, they were to live a scene of a story they were familiar with, since they were children, and that was wonderful.
After an extraordinary night, The Dreamers left and went back to their hotel. They were tired. They were to have a good restful sleep knowing they were living a familiar and soothing story.
Chapter 21. A Royal Banquet
3rd of October 2025
Marrakesh
The Grand Arrival of Prince Ali – Kasbah D’if
Dreamers woke up after a restful evening to enjoy a day in Marrakesh. They all knew that the Lamp had been found. The Search was over.
The Marvelous Lamp was in Aladdin’s hands and with it he had become Prince Ali. In fact, they had been invited to join him, in the evening, and ask for Princess Jasmin’s hand at the Kasbah.
Exciting. None of them felt any ill feelings towards him for having found what they were searching for. On the contrary they were delighted to accompany him in his quest.
Dreamers had several activities to choose from and discover what the city had to offer. There was sightseeing, shopping, a cooking class and even a visit to a Hammam.
Several of them head to the modern Gueliz district to visit the serene Jardin Majorelle, a botanical oasis with exotic plants and striking cobalt-blue accents. Next door they explored the Musée Yves Saint Laurent.
Others went to the old city to see the Koutoubia Mosque, the largest mosque in Marrakesh and a prominent landmark with an impressive minaret and then they visited magnificent palaces and tombs. Another group decided to explore famous Marrakesh souks where they got lost in the labyrinthine alleyways of the Medina. They discover everything, from aromatic spice markets to vibrant carpet and leather goods stalls. Dreamers were good and, some not that good, at haggling, but they all tried as part of the shopping experience.
Another group of them, decided to experience a cooking class. It was rich in authentic Moroccan flavors and aromas. The experience involved a hands-on session where they learned to prepare traditional dishes like tagines, couscous, and Moroccan salads while all had a wonderful and fun time.
Those that decided to visit a traditional hammam, experienced deep relaxation and worked in purifying body and mind. The combination of steam, heat, exfoliation, and massage refreshing and restorative to their spirits.
Dreamers came back to the hotel in the afternoon. They had to get ready. They were to leave before sunset in full gala attire to join Prince Ali’s grand entrance to the Kasbah.
At 5:30 pm they all started to gather at the Hotel’s lobby. What a sight. Beautiful, elegant and splendid attires. It was a pleasure to witness such beauty and elegance!
Convoy of White vans were waiting. Dreamers boarded them and police escorted, they left Marrakesh with a sense of purpose and happiness as they were living a story, they have heard so many times when they were children.
After not more than 20 minutes after departure, it was when the Dreamers saw, far away, the dramatic appearance of the magnificent Kasbah glowing in the fading sunlight, right where the desert landscape begins to appear. The breathtaking sunset views where warm as golden light illuminated the terrain creating long shadows, while the sky was filled with vibrant colors before fading into twilight.
As they arrived to the Kasbah they all gathered where a souk, filled with food vendors, stalls, and street performers invited them to mingle and partake in drinks and food while they all took photographs exchanging compliments as they were all amazed with the different styles, colors and elegance of their outfits .
Suddenly, a sound echoes in the distance.
Drums. Trumpets.
A wave of excitement spreads through the market.
And then—he appears.
It’s him!
Prince Ali!
Camels led an entire parade of dancers, acrobats, musicians, followed by ladies with baskets of petals showering Prince Ali seated in a palanquin caried by four strong guards. The scene is grand and full of energy.
The Genie is there, dazzling the crowd, and even Princess Scheherazade is among the dancers moving gracefully within the procession.
The Dreamers follow the procession, happily becoming part of the parade. Aladdin notices them. They are here, they have accepted his invitation. Moved, he looks at them and calls,
-- Come Dreamers! Join me as we enter the palace of the Sultan! I have the Marvelous Lamp!--
At the big door of the palace, they are all met with a royal welcome.
Standing before them is the Sultan himself, alongside Princess Jasmine, Jafar, and the royal guards.
Everyone is present. The court is watching.
Then, Aladdin steps forward, announcing his arrival in full glory:
--Most Noble Sultan, I come before you not alone—but with my companions. Dreamers from every corner of the world. We carry no armies, no riches—only stories, hearts full of hope, and the light of a Lamp found through courage and unity. With your blessing… may we enter?
The Sultan, pleased by the spectacle, smiles warmly, and invites all the guests to celebrate this grand occasion.
The Dreamers follow the Sultan, Princess Jasmine, and Prince Ali. They are there for a treat. A royal Banquet & entertainment awaits them.
As the celebration begins, the guests are treated to a wonderful cocktail in the terrace of the Kasbah followed by a lavish dinner. with wonderful.
Throughout the evening, the atmosphere is enriched with live music and spectacular belly dancing joined by several of the guests.
As the dinner comes to an end, the Dreamers start leaving the banquet room and, when in the terrace, they notice something familiar.
Once again, at the center of the terrace , stands a box covered with a black veil—the same mysterious sight they have encountered before.
This time, Aladdin steps forward, ready to unveil it.
He turns to the guests, smiling, prepared to finally present them with the Magic Lamp
ALADDIN rising, smiling, ready to unveil the black box says,
--My dearest Dreamers…
Tonight, I am no longer just the boy who dreamed.
Tonight, I am a Prince.
And what is a Prince without a gift for his friends?
You, who have journeyed so far, believed so deeply…
I wish to offer you the very object we all sought—
The Marvelous Lamp!
Aladdin lifts the veil from the box… but the lamp is gone. Silence.
A sudden, chilling laugh echoes through the palace.
It’s Jafar.
Standing in the shadows, he watches the scene unfold with amusement. The realization dawns—the Marvelous Lamp has been stolen again!
Jafar, mocking and triumphant, screams,
-- The Lamp is mine! Finally!
You were fools to think you could keep it from me!
Now… the true story begins--.
Laughing he disappears into the night.
The guards approach Aladdin. One by one, they remove his royal garments. The Dreamers fall into a heavy silence.
Aladdin softly talks to the Dreamers,
--I only wanted to share it with you…
I thought I had found it… and I thought I was ready…--
Princess Scheherazade steps forward. She is calm, radiant, filled with quiet strength and says,
--Aladdin
You are still a prince, even without a crown.
For what makes you noble is not the Lamp,
but the light you carry inside.
Dreamers,
this tale has not ended—it has simply changed shape.
Like every story I have told—night after night, for a thousand and one nights—
just when it seems the ending has come… a new chapter begins.
I have seen a vision.
A place still untouched by shadow.
A desert, deep and ancient, where the sand reflection shows not what you are… but who you might become.
It is there we must go.
To the desert. To the stillness. To the truth.
There, perhaps… we will find what was taken.
There, perhaps… we will find ourselves--.
The Dreamers, although sadden by Aladdin’s lost, leave the Kasbah with a mission. To the desert. The Search must continue. They must find what they came looking for.
Chapter 22 - The 1002 Night
4th of October 2025
The 1002 Night
Agafay Desert, Morroco
Early morning the Dreamers were ready. The Search for the Marvelous Lamp must continue. Having had breakfast, they were all ready to leave.
Out in front of the Hotel property 20 black vans, with Pam's Party logo, were picking them up. The convoy was a spectacle.
All on board and with police escort ahead of the convoy they departed.
Aladdin is on the first van. Him and several of the guides have received reports from Scheherazade and others of sightings of Jaffar and the 40 Thieves. It appears it is them and not Jaffar who are in possession of the Lamp and that the adventurous thief’s leader has hidden it in the unforgiving sands of Agafay Desert.
The Chase Begins.
The convoy drove 30 kilometers on a highway towards the southwest of Marrakech. Suddenly drivers stopped. They left the highway and turned where there was no more road. They started to drive through an arid and rocky terrain. A lunar-like landscape was visible to all. Drivers in every van were communicating amongst themselves and listening to reports as to sightings of Jaffar and the Thieves.
Eduardo and the Dreamers were confused. Where were they? Where were they going? What were those radio reports and signals the drivers were listening to?
There was tension. Dreamers knew they were in a journey through a vast and unforgiving landscape.
There were several stops. Drivers and guides regrouped, discussed, and planned. Minutes after they drove away again moving across the landscape.
Dreamers could see in the distance parts of the convoy of vans; their progress marked by dust trails in one direction or another in the vastness of the desert as the sun hit heavily on the sprawling, arid terrain with rocky outcroppings and minimal vegetation under a harsh, bright sun.
At some point Dreamers were asked by the guides and drivers to get out of the vehicles. The were in a small ruined village. Guides didn’t spell out what they were doing there. As the Dreamers walked down a path to a clearing, they saw the Nuns. What were they doing? It was brazing hot. As the Dreamers approach them and before anyone could react, the Forty Thieves appeared, cloaked and silent. The Nuns were surrounded. Panic breaks out. The Nuns were dragged toward the crowd. Screams. Confusion. One Sister resists—the plump one. She kicks and fights wildly.
The plump siter starts yelling as she is being dragged away:
--Listen to me. The Lamp. The Marvelous Lamp!!! Jafar hid it together with the 40 Thieves. Find the White Camel! Beyond the dunes. Find the White Camel!! Go. Find it! You are close. Find the White Camel. Go Find it, now. Run!!!--
She is pulled out of sight. Silence falls. The dreamers are left stunned. The only thing that remains is the echo of her voice… and a direction.
Dreamers return to the vehicles. The Search must continue. They are close. As the convoy of vans take off in different directions, they all find a way and start moving in concert.
At a distance, they all see a camp. A Berber Camp. Camels.
Dreamers approach the Berber camel takers and guides. Valiant female Dreamers mount some of the Camels and navigate the harsh desert environment. Others mount and the Camel Takers lead them on a trail. The landscape is outstanding. Without delay the rest of the group board their vehicles and follow the camel caravan to a tented camp. At the entrance, a sign greets them The White Camel.
They had arrived.
Dreamers are treated to a sumptuous lunch. Thereafter, they are taken to their tents. They need to relax and get ready as they have been summoned to a White Gala night.
Just minutes before sunset, at what locals call the “Golden Hour”, when the setting sun light was bathing the landscape in warm, vibrant colors, making the sand dunes appear a deep majestic red, the Dreamers gathered, all dressed in beautiful white, at the pool deck of the property. As day transitioned to dusk, the interior lights of the white tents sparkled, creating a dramatic contrast against the deepening hues of the sky and the sand.
As the sun's low angle, filtered light scattering blue light, the warmer colors of red, orange, and gold dominated the view, Dreamers were enjoying a cocktail hour and were feeling that their lives were meaningful and rewarding. They had arrived. Somehow, they all knew their search was over. A majestic orchestral arrangement from Lawrence of Arabia played in the background.
It is a celebration, a moment of triumph.
As night falls, the setting transforms.
Soft lights glow. The night is still.
The first notes of "Jesus of Nazareth Prelude – The Birth of Christ" is played by the orchestra.
As the music plays, light effects, and mist rise before the Dreamers, creating an ethereal atmosphere.
Princess Scheherazade appears. She stands at the top of a grand staircase.
Without a word, she starts descending. This is her entrance, her silent greeting.
Minutes thereafter Aladdin arrives, then the Genie, the guards, and Jafar.
Then, one by one, all the characters the Dreamers have met along their journey join the procession on top of the stairs.
As the moment builds, the orchestra starts playing "Jerusalem."
As the chorus of Jerusalem reaches its crescendo, another group enters the stage in front of the pool.
It is the children.
They emerge from both sides,. They are being escorted by 4 beautiful white Camels. The children are dressed in white—but with worn, tattered cloaks draped over them.
Their faces are masked, each one carrying the childhood face of the Dreamer they are meant for.
The Dreamers are to reunite with their inner child.
The children throw the masks into the sky as they take off their cloaks. They reach out to the Dreamers. It is then that the Dreamers can see themselves in the eyes of the children and giving the children the opportunity to see themselves in their eyes. There is hope, these orphan children can see their future in the Dreamers eyes.
Dreamers holding the hands of the orphan children gathered at the bottom of the stairs.
Princess Scheherazade looks at them. The orchestra starts playing “ You Will Be Found” by Evan Hansen. The music softens and the Princess addresses them:
-- Do not be afraid. The night is vast, the stars infinite, and yet you are here. You have traveled across lands of mystery, through shadows and light, through stories that whispered your name before you even arrived. And now, before you, veiled in darkness, lies the object of your quest.
The lamp.
You may wonder—why now? Why here? And why, after so much searching, do I tell you not to be afraid?
Because the lamp was never truly lost.
Because nothing that is real, nothing that belongs to the heart, is ever lost forever. It waits. Patiently. Hidden behind the veil of time, waiting for the right hands, the right hearts, to be ready.
And just as this lamp has been found, so too shall you be found.
Not by me. Not by the sands or the stars. But by the child you once were.
That child who ran barefoot through dreams. Who believed in wonders without needing proof. Who spoke to the wind and waited for answers. That child has been searching for you. And now, the moment has come—tonight, they have found you. You are holding them in your hand.
You have traced the map of your own past. You have followed the echoes of laughter and forgotten lullabies. You have walked the path of your own memories, brushing against the ghosts of your younger self. And at the end of that journey, just as you have sought the lamp, it is your inner child who has sought you.
They are here. Waiting. Watching.
And in a moment, as this veil is lifted, as the lamp is revealed, you will know—know that it was never about the search, but about the return. The return to wonder. The return to innocence. The return to the you who was never truly lost, only waiting to be remembered.
So, stand with me now. Open your hearts. Let the child within you step forward and take your hand. Let them guide you, not just to the lamp, but to the magic that has always, always been yours.
Because magic is not in the finding. Magic is in the remembering.--
As Scheherazade stops talking, the Nuns appear again. This time they are not silent. They all start singing. "When You Believe."
Holding hands the children take the Dreamers up the grand staircase.
At the top of the stairs, they find it.
A massive, black-covered box.
Larger than ever before seen.
Princess Scheherazade welcomes them and with a very sweet tone of voice she tells them:
--Dear Dreamers,
Your journey has brought you here—
To the final step… or perhaps, the first of a new beginning.
The children who have walked beside you today carry more than joy and laughter.
Look closely.
They have been waiting for you.
They are your mirror, your memory, your message from the dream.
Take their hand once more.
Together, step toward the mystery…and prepare to unveil the box--.
The theme music of the party "An Epic Tale" begins playing. The final, most awaited moment arrives.
The great veil is lifted.
And there it is.
The Marvelous Lamp.
At last. It’s a big golden Lamp. Huge. Probably three by two meters.
The children step forward.
Around the large lamp, small metal lamps in vibrant colors are scattered.
Each child picks up a small lamp. With care, they present these lamps to the Dreamers.
It is a moment of connection, of realization.
The Genie steps forward and is to deliver a message. A message that Eduardo had written for the Dreamers.
--“Dear Dreamers,
You embarked in this journey with a Dream. You are now here, at the end of an incredible journey.
You had a common dream and pursued it with relentless passion. Congratulations!
You’ve travelled across deserts and cities, through shadows and light, chasing a dream that always seemed just beyond your reach.
You have walked through the ruins of time, followed whispers carried by the wind, solved riddles hidden in the folds of the past.
You have traveled not only across lands but across time.
You have stepped into the echoes of your own childhood, back to a world you once knew, but had long forgotten.
A world where you were lighter, braver. A world where you did not hesitate to believe in magic.
A world where your dreams were not questioned, where you never once thought to ask if they were possible—because of course, they were.
Do you remember it now?
Dreaming is an extraordinary gift. This God-given ability to look into the future and imagine something better, then return to the present and work to bring about that better future.
So, you have come all this way.
Was the greatest wonder not the child you met along the way?
The one who carried your name.
The one who waited for you to find them.
That child was never truly lost. They were waiting.
Waiting for you to remember.
Waiting for you to see that what you were searching for was never out there.
It was always within. You are on with your child now and today we are back from where laughter was endless, and our dreams were bigger than our fears.
Look around you. See yourselves as a beautiful child of the universe. Just the fact that you exist, makes you all deserving of unconditional love.
Tell me Dreamers—what did you find at the end of your journey?
You have found the Marvelous Lamp. Now in your hands.
Look into your hands.
You have searched for the Marvelous Lamp, believing it would bring you answers.
Now you realize, though, that the lamp is not the vessel of your light.
The Lamp was never an object to be found.
This was never a journey to find a Lamp.
This was a journey to find yourselves.
You needed to Search for the Marvelous Lamp only to find that it is you who is the vessel of your light and magic. You are the vessel of your bright light. You are your very own Marvelous Lamp and the Genie in it.
Your soul shines. Each one of you has his magnificent magical life force coursing through every single cell. You are all magnificent, powerful beings.
Every part of you is magnificent, your ego, intellect, body, and spirit. It is who you are. A beautiful product of the Universe’s creation.
Every aspect of you is perfect. There is nothing to let go, nothing to forgive, nothing to attain, you already are everything you need to be.
You all are, every single one of you is, unique and indispensable facets of the infinite universe.
To be you is to be loved.
There is no separation between us, I am love and I know you are love too.
The universe is composed of unconditional love, you are an expression of it. That is your essence and the nature of the entire universe. We are all co-creating this world and our lives within it through our emotions, thoughts, and actions.
Your sensitivity is the light you bring to this world. It’s the light by which you navigate. Allow yourselves to shine as you light the way not only for yourself but for all those around you.
You see, there is no Genie to grant you your wishes.
Because you are the Genie. You have always been the Genie of your lamp and life.
Feel proud of what you have accomplished.
Today just please ignite, again, the spark of magnificence that lies within you. Awaken the genie in your soul that shall help you find your very own place at the center of the universe.
If you wish for peace in this world—then be peace. Bring peace to your family, friends, and communities. Bring peace to your discourse.
If you wish for love for your family—then be love. Allow yourselves to be beacons and instruments of love. The entire universe is composed of unconditional love, and you are an expression of it.
You are love and you should allow yourselves to be instruments of love. We can’t view the world in terms of us and them as we are all one. We are all one, products of our own creation, of all our thoughts, action, and beliefs. We are love at our core; we are magnificent. Every atom, molecule, quark, present in you is made of love, you are nothing else. This is your essence and the nature of the universe.
If you long for kindness, for understanding, for wonder—then become it. Become the embodiment of your desires.
Each one of you is an integral part of the greater unfolding tapestry of life where we are all connected.
Each one of us is a gift to those around us, helping each other be who we are, weaving a perfect picture together.
Remind everyone close to you to be themselves and tell them that you love them just the way they are. They are perfect and so are you. There is nothing not to love.
The greatest magic has never been in the granting of wishes. It has always been in the becoming.
Go forth, Dreamers.
Find your place in the world and live as reflection of who you really are allowing your magnificence to shine through.
Remember you are love and remember that as you navigate the world of bright possibilities that awaits you, take on the challenge and the opportunity to love and serve those around you.
The realization of your shared humanity gives you the best chance to create the better world we all wish to see.
Express your uniqueness fearlessly with abandon.
Love yourselves. Value yourselves. See the beauty of your own souls.
Allow your true spirit to shine through. Allow those around you to touch the part of you, that is, eternal, infinite, and encompasses the whole.
Open yourselves to all possibilities. Work with life rather than against it.
It is my hope that you find joy in each, and every day of your journey, and come to love your life.
You are Dreamers. You are bold and authentic. You are committed to a future that benefits us all.
There is work to be done. Hearts to heal, peace to proclaim. We are called to go out to our homes, to our families, to our friends, our schools our workplaces, our communities and proclaim peace.
To heal division with love, mercy, compassion, and joy, in a world in need.
Your life is your prayer. It’s your gift to the universe.
Dreamers be happy and spread joy, and, please, never stop believing.
Farewell.”
The Genie finished. The Search was over. The Dreamers were moved. The message was clear. Dreamers sat for a wonderful dinner. They laughed, they cherished the moments with each other, they drank good wine. They embraced all the characters of the story that had been with them throughout the journey. After dessert, they all went dancing. The 1002-night story, they all have lived, was coming to an end.
The next morning, several Dreamers went on a sunrise Camel ride and others attended an ecumenical Sunday service with an Imam and a Catholic priest. During the morning, after breakfast, The Dreamers said their goodbyes and started leaving to the airport to fly back to their respective homes.
Eduardo knew The Dreamers were closing the last chapter to their story. As they did, and turn the page, he knew, though, that a blank canvas to create a new Dream was given to all of them.
All they needed to do, was to start a new dream and never stop dreaming. Eduardo will remind them of it, as he knew, that embracing the core human experiences of friendship, love, and hope, by Celebrating life together will provide them support, meaning, and joy in their common journey of life.
The End