Petra … “a rose-red city half as old as time”

We docked at the port city of Aqaba.. it was hot and very hazy due to the effects of a current sand storm. I teamed up with friends Tom and Deanna Jones and at 6.30am we were in the bus and heading for Petra.

The drive was very uninspiring … flat, hot and dusty …

But we passed Bedouin tents …

… and lots of camels along the way …

Two and a half hours later we saw our first glimpse of the new city of Petra …

We arrived at the Tourist Centre and headed off with our guide for the 45 minute walk to the ancient city … not too bad … 100 degrees but heading down hill!

There were plenty of horses and carts for those not fit enough for the walk … but what a tough life for these poor animals …

We passed the Obelisk Tomb on the way …

… and had our first glimpse of the entrance to The Siq, the ancient main entrance to Petra.

The Siq is an amazing 1200m long, deep and narrow gorge hemmed by cliffs up to 80m high … absolutely stunning.

Beautifully coloured rock formations, terraces and water channels to look at, while all the time dodging horses and carts racing through the gorge.

Just when you think you have reached “awesome overload”, you emerge from the Siq and come face to face with Al-Khazneh, the Treasury Building … the pride and joy of Petra and the most beautiful monument there.  30m wide, 43m high it was carved in the 1st century BC as a tomb for a Nabataean king. It is breathtaking and we stood speechless for several minutes just taking it all in.

From here we progressed further into the city, with lots of offers of camel or donkey rides along the way.

Down the Street of Facades …

… to the Theatre, almost all of which was carved into solid rock in the 1st century AD. It initially held 3000 but was later extended to hold about 7000.

Then past the Royal Tombs …

… to the Palace Tomb.

We had only seen a small portion of the city but it was time to retrace our steps back to the Treasury and through the Siq. Not an easy feat as it took 45 minutes, all uphill, and now a balmy 106 degrees. Should have taken the camel option!!

Back at the Tourist Hotel and after a couple of litres of ice water and lunch we were ready to head out into the desert …

Petra is one of the greatest archaeological treasures in the world. Some rank it the eighth wonder of the ancient world … a truly amazing experience.