Jordan Day 4: Petra Day 1

Petra. It was so much more than I imagined. It's called the rose city for good reason; it really is a city. Built in the 6th century by the Nabataeans it has become the symbol of Jordan and what draws most visitors to travel to Jordan. There is so much more to Jordan than Petra, but Petra is the place that equals if not surpasses all your expectations. It is an astonishing place. When most people think of Petra they have visions of Indiana Jones riding up to the iconic Petra tomb in search of the Holy Grail. There is so much more to Petra than this oft-photographed tomb; it really just the beginning. We spent three nights and two full days exploring all of Petra.


After entering the site, walking down the first 800 meters to the entrance of the siq.














Before the entrance to the siq


At the entrance to the siq, the "shaft" in Arabic, is the long, narrow passage to the heart of Petra.




The siq was incredible in and of itself. Just walking through the siq was an amazing experience, so unbelievably beautiful.








The natural colours of the rock were so vibrant.




















Ancient water pipes




Our first view of the magnificent treasury. During the morning hours when the sun was shining bright on the treasury this is what it looks like through the narrow opening of the siq. The shot I got later in the afternoon when the sun moved off the siq is much better, but I kept this one too because I like how it looked when I first saw it.


Our amazing guide who was reserved for 4 hours spent an incredible 7 hours with us sharing his knowledge of Petra and helping us navigate the site.


The piece de resistance, the treasury


Morning shot of the treasury


Onward from the treasury to explore the rest of the city of Petra


More tombs, size and ornate detail of the tombs would indicate wealth and status of the family


At the start of the trail to hike to the "high place" overlooking the whole of the surrounding area where ancient ritual sacrifices would be performed


Views partway up the first section of the trail








The trail was pretty much entirely stairs




Souvenir huts lined all of Petra including all the way up the hiking trails




Made it to the top!


The altar on the high place


The views were so outrageous, like "are we on Mars?" kind of otherworldly.














Once again, Trevon making friends with the locals.


Selecting his souvenir from the mountain top souvenir vendors, aka his new friends


Trevon with our guide; Trevon hiked the whole thing all by himself






Small snack and gift shops throughout Petra






At the end of the day the kids were pretty tuckered out and facing the long walk back to the treasury plaza and the walk through the siq and the walk up the entrance path, they rest their tired legs riding donkeys back to the treasury plaza. They were in heaven!














Back at the treasury plaza in the afternoon when the sun moved off the treasury, photography was a delight!


















Three nights a week Petra opens to visitors for an enchanting candlelit night of music under the stars. Walking through the siq lined with paper bag lanterns was truly magical. It all culminated in a short musical performance at the lantern-filled treasury plaza listening to ancient Nabatean music beneath the stars. Simply magical! This is definitely the one experience of the trip when I really regretted not bringing my tripod, and under such extreme dark conditions I had my work cut out for me.