Day 6: Petra

Today was the day for our side trip over into Jordan to visit the city of Petra, capital to the Nabataeans around the 3rd - 1st centuries BC, and one of the most impressive archeological sites. Petra is also well-known for it’s part in Indiana Jones, and of course, we couldn’t help singing the theme song while walking through the Siq. Lisa even bought an Indiana Jones-style hat to commemorate the occasion! We walked through the mile long Siq (cleft in the cliff wall), stopping to admire the stones and hear some history of the site. One of the most spectatular moments came when we rounded a corner in the Siq and suddenly saw the Treasury through the small opening. It is truly surprising and amazing.

Then, we walked further into the canyon towards the city, stopping when we reached the towering cliffs of the Royal Tombs, cut into the rock wall. At this point, we had some time we could spend as we like before we needed to head up the hill towards the bus. Some of us walked further down into the actual city, others climbed up the cliffs to explore in the tombs, and a few rested before heading back up the hill in one of the horse-drawn carriages that run through the Siq. It truly is an amazing site, and one that is almost impossible to fully take in at the time. The hike into the city of Petra is a bit tiring, especially in the hot mid-day sun, but the true test comes when it is time to climb back up out to the visitor’s center. What was a rather nice down-hill 2 mile stroll becomes a 2 mile test of endurance and strength. There are horses you can ride up the last 1/2 mile of the way, from the entrance of the Siq to the visitor’s center, but most of it is by foot, unless you want to hire a carriage. After leaving Petra, we stopped for a quick lunch, and then headed back to the border to cross back into Israel.  Overall, it was another memorable day, and about 5 more stamps in each of our passports!

Tomorrow we head back up north to Jerusalem, so check back to see our adventures!

Categories: Holy Land.