“Behold! We gave the site, to Abraham, of the (Sacred) House, (saying): 

Associate not anything (in worship) with Me; and sanctify My House for those who compass it round, or stand up, or bow, or prostrate themselves (therein in prayer). 

And proclaim the Pilgrimage among men: they will come to thee on foot and (mounted) on every kind of camel, lean on account of journeys through deep and distant mountain highways; 

“That they may witness the benefits (provided) for them, and celebrate the name of Allah, through the Days appointed, over the cattle which He has provided for them (for sacrifice): then eat ye thereof and feed the distressed ones in want. 

Then let them complete the rites prescribed for them, perform their vows, and (again) circumambulate the Ancient House.
Such (is the Pilgrimage): whoever honours the sacred rites of Allah, for him it is good in the Sight of his Lord. Lawful to you (for food in Pilgrimage) are cattle, except those mentioned to you (as exception): but shun the abomination of idols, and shun the word that is false.”

I will be keeping an (old-fashioned, pen and paper) journal for the trip, but in the unlikely event I do get (or even want) internet access I will try to post brief updates while in Mecca and Medina. I also will have a retrospective when I return. 

In the interim, don’t forget that nominations have ended and the final voting phase has begun for the Brass Crescent Awards!