One question (and sorry if it has been asked already, I didn't read through the thread too thoroughly): What about all the other places on the same latitude as Mecca, aren't they equally holy, since they too are the "Golden Ratio" away from the north pole?
When I was young, there was a god with infinite power protecting me. Is there anyone else who felt that way? And was sure about it? but the first time I fell in love, I was thrown down - or maybe I broke free - and I bade farewell to God and became human. Now I don't have God's protection, and I walk on the ground without wings, but I don't regret this hardship. I want to live as a person. -Arina Tanemura