Petra!
Outstandingly Beautiful!
How can you describe this impenetrable fortress of the ancient Nabateans? The first half mile is open pathway and the hills and rocks start getting higher around us as we descend toward the Siq. The Siq is a narrow, slot canyon, with towering walls of red rock that snakes about a mile toward the main canyon of Petra. Coming around the last bend the sudden first view of the Treasury takes your breath away.
From there there is an amazing number of buildings and tombs carved into the red rock walls.
Some of the hardier in our group managed to climb clear to the Monastery.
On Saturday, our last day, we got to leave Petra late morning for our drive to Amman, the capital of Jordan. Amman was formerly called Philadelphia and we visited the 5,000-seat Roman Theater, still in use.
Some of the best views were from the Citadel on a high hill above Amman.
After driving through a neighborhood of very nice homes, we concluded with a typical dinner at a local restaurant before heading on out to the airport for our 1:25 a.m. flights!
On Saturday, our last day, we got to leave Petra late morning for our drive to Amman, the capital of Jordan. Amman was formerly called Philadelphia and we visited the 5,000-seat Roman Theater, still in use.
Some of the best views were from the Citadel on a high hill above Amman.
After driving through a neighborhood of very nice homes, we concluded with a typical dinner at a local restaurant before heading on out to the airport for our 1:25 a.m. flights!
Our group gathers on the hotel terrace to start the trek into Petra.
LaVerne peaks around the carriage driver on the way down into Petra.
Entering the Siq
Maie says, "I'm here in Petra!!"
The Siq narrows
Our Bedouin friend Sala'ama offers donkey rides up to the Monastery
Wow - a picture without tourists!
First glimpse of the Treasury
The Treasury
Dixie and Dave in front of the Treasury
Bedouin lad on his donkey
A little postcard saleswoman
Grandfather plays for the kids
Camels in Petra
The Theater
Royal Tombs in Petra
A few hardy souls in the group made the hike up to the Monastery. It's a fairly long walk in addition to the 900+ steps each way! The views of the Monastery and all directions from up there make it worth it!
Rob and Mitch on their Camels in Petra
View of Wadi Musa (Petra) from our Hotel
Wadi Musa (Petra) built in the rocks
Shawbak Castle, from the era of the Crusades
Hunting for agates on the hill above Shawbak Castle
Welcome to Amman - organized chaos!
Everyone has a cell phone!
Amman - 5,000 seat Roman Theater
Aly, LaVerne and Ruth find new friends
This little boy performs for us with his soccer ball.
The crowded hillsides of Amman
Houses are all built of local limestone
Shopping for spices in the grocery store
Jordanian woman baking bread in the traditional style
Our farewell dinner is served - just about everything you can imagine in a Jordanian meal!
Mark celebrates with a local hooka pipe!
