On the bus at 6:45am this morning to see the magical UNESCO World Heritage site - the Nabatean city of Petra. We walked 800 meters to the entrance to the Siq (the curvy gorge entrance to the city) - the only entrance and exit to the place. It's south of the Dead Sea. It was the capital of the Nabateans-Arabs who dominated the lands of Jordan during pre-Roman times. They carved all the temples, tombs and buildings out of solid rock. For seven centuries Petra's existence was a guarded secret known only to the local Bedouin and Arab tradesman. It was discovered in 1812 by a Swiss explorer, Johann Ludwig Burckhardt. Burckhardt disguised himself as a pilgrim seeking to make a sacrifice at the tomb of Aaron. Archaeologists believe it has been inhabited from prehistoric times.
Entrance to the Siq
Seeing al-Khazneh (the Treasury) for the first time through the rocks of the Siq was amazing.
Al-Khazneh
A gentleman playing the Rababa. He is a staple at Petra.
Amphitheater
Royal Tombs
Street of Facades
The Colonaded Street
Last, but not least, I climbed 850 steps up to see the al-Deir (The Monastery). So, so glad I gave it a shot - was so worth the 45-minute hike up and same down.
Tomorrow we head toward the Dead Sea via Wadi Rum for a 4x4 Jeep ride through Wadi Rum and then have lunch with the Bedouin - and perhaps a camel caravan. I can't believe this trip is coming to a close - it has gone to fast!!
Entrance to the Siq
Seeing al-Khazneh (the Treasury) for the first time through the rocks of the Siq was amazing.
Al-Khazneh
A gentleman playing the Rababa. He is a staple at Petra.
Amphitheater
Royal Tombs
Street of Facades
The Colonaded Street
Last, but not least, I climbed 850 steps up to see the al-Deir (The Monastery). So, so glad I gave it a shot - was so worth the 45-minute hike up and same down.
Tomorrow we head toward the Dead Sea via Wadi Rum for a 4x4 Jeep ride through Wadi Rum and then have lunch with the Bedouin - and perhaps a camel caravan. I can't believe this trip is coming to a close - it has gone to fast!!