“Open, Sesame!” is a word I’ve wanted to use since I first heard the magical phrase being spoken in the story of ‘Ali Baba and the Forty Thieves’ in Antoine Galland’s version of One Thousand and One Nights.
Ali Baba is a poor woodcutter who secretly watches as 40 thieves hide their treasure in a cave, the door to which can be only opened by the verbal command of “Open, Sesame!” He later uses this magic phrase, steals riches from the cave, and lives a prosperous life.
I’ve never spotted a door I thought ‘Open, Sesame!’ would work on. However, when I happened to stumble upon this door that begged the words ‘Open, Sesame!’ to be shouted at it, I wasn’t pleased when my vocal efforts failed. Why had those words worked for Ali Baba and not me?
Nothing would open this door. I pulled it, I pushed it, but it wouldn’t open. Maybe it was locked? I couldn’t even spot a keyhole, but I loved the handles.
I never found out what was behind the door, but given the look and style of it, I imagined it led to a mystical world that could only be reached by a ride on a magic carpet. Would anyone like to join me? That is, if we can open the door.
If you saw the door I published for ‘Thursday Doors’ last week, the ‘Open, Sesame!’ door is only a short walk from ‘The Tower Of The Ecliptic‘ in Swansea, South Wales.
Let me know if you manage to open it.
What do you think is on the other-side of the ‘Open Sesame’ door?
Linking to the weekly photography challenge ‘Thursday Doors,’ hosted by Dan Antion who blogs at No Facilities. Click here to join hundreds of other participants with your Thursday Doors.
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Hugh's Views & News 
Like for you, “open sesame” became part of my childhood vocabulary, Hugh. There’s definitely something magical on the other side of that door… a crystal ball perhaps, a portal, or yes, a magic carpet, all rolled up and dusty and waiting for you!
Not too dusty, I hope, Diana. I’ll have to take my handheld vacuum cleaner with me (just in case).
Stunning door and very mysterious for sure. Do let us know if you get in! 🙂 xx
I will indeed, Debby. Although I’m not holding up much hope of seeing it open. But who knows?
What a fascinating door! I would want to say “Open Sesame”, too. I do hope someone can shed some light.
So far, nobody has. But I’m hoping that when I next walk past that door, it will be open to reveal what’s inside, Jennie.
I hope so, too. I wish I could be there with my preschoolers. They are far better at investigating, and they see more than we see. Thank you, Hugh.
Pandora’s garage doors?
Maybe, yes. Maybe they’re closed and locked for a good reason.
maybe its a emergency exit only????
You could be right, but it begs the question, why was it locked? I thought emergency exits had to open at all times.
I agree that this door looks as if magic words would work to open it. Many years ago one of my husband’s co-workers told the story of his son asking for something. The co-worker said, “What’s the magic word?”, hoping to elicit, “Please”, but what he got instead was “Abracadabra!” Hey, that is a magic word if not THE magic word for all situations. 🙂
janet
I agree, Janet. I love how children interpret some of our questions. After all, ‘Abracadabra’ is the word for magic. Thanks for sharing that great story.
I will certainly go with you Hugh. I have no idea what’s on the other side of the door but it’s got to be worth a look 💜
I agree, Willow. And thanks for volunteering to come with me for a magic carpet ride.
I’d love it Hugh 💜
That is a fabulous door! Where is this door? Perhaps it is better not to open it, because maybe what is behind it is not as exciting as the door itself!
It’s on Swansea Marina quarter in the city of Swansea, South Wales in the UK. I’d still love to know what’s behind it, even if whatever it is is not very exciting.
Awesome door, Hugh. I think it hides an old-timer car. One of the first Fords built and shipped to England. 🙂
That’s a great thought, Liesbet. I wonder who the owner is? Maybe, one day, I’ll see those doors open up, and a classic car drive out.
It must be a storehouse of exotic foods, oils and spices. Oh the meal we could make, Hugh. Maybe, if enough of us get together and yell Open Sesame, it would work.
That sounds like an excellent plan, Dan. Once the pandemic is over, I’ll have to organise a big group to all shout ‘Open, Sesame!’ at that door.