Petra

 Well, I’m almost too tired to blog tonight, but I have managed to do this every night so far, so I’m not giving up now! 

Today was pretty much devoted to Petra, an ancient cIty built into rocky cliffs. It’s one of the Seven Wonders of the World, and I can see why. The pictures I will share here don’t even begin to capture the magnificent beauty of the place and the human ingenuity that combines to make this a spectacular place. I don’t have enough superlatives.

 

George, our guide, met us this morning at 8, and we headed to the admissions gate. The park is right next to our hotel so that part was easy. We started walking—it was a perfect day for our visit—cool in the shade and warm, but not hot in the sun—there wasn’t a cloud in the sky all day. We walked along the main path past the area with horses, and into the Siq—the narrow canyon created when tectonic plates moved—wind, rain, freeze/thaw cycles and humans have made some amazing carvings in the rock.  I am too tired to write much tonight, but here’s a website that will tell you more: https://www.visitpetra.jo/

We walked through the Siq until it opened up and revealed the Treasury—a magnificent facade carved into the cliff face—a combination of Roman, Greek and Egyptian influences are apparent. And then we went on what our guide described as an “easy” hike. We were clamoring over sandy rocks, uneven steps, up and down and up again. I was so glad the I had my Nordic poles with me! There were some amazing views from the Royal Tombs, and we saw the ruins of a Byzantine church that were fascinating—beautiful mosaics and a baptistery intended for infant baptisms. I was so thankful to get to lunch. 

After lunch, some of our group decided to go further up to the Monastery—my spirit wanted to go, but my body shrieked NOOO! I decided that heading back was the best plan! And then I saw the camels...this might be the last chance I would ever have to ride a camel. The others, especially Mally, encouraged me, so I did it. It was both terrifying and fun. I had a hard time getting up high enough on the kneeling camel, but my Bedouin friends got me on board. And the big creature got up—back, front, back, front (or maybe he raised himself front end first…) it was a process. 

This old white woman just hung on and prayed! And suddenly,we were moving. I quickly learned that the trick when riding a camel is to simply relax, and trust the camel. As long as the pace is slow, it’s a rocking motion. I also learned that a speeding camel is not for me—then you get both rocked and bounced!

My friendly camel delivered me to the Treasury, so I got quite a good ride.  Walking the final mile or so back to the start--and the hotel--was not so much fun—I was alone and everything from the waist down hurt!

Now I am in bed and packed to leave—one more adventure in Wadi Rum tomorrow—and then Tel Aviv for the night. We fly home on Monday.