Exploring Petra

Our group lined up single file in the Siq, placed a hand on the shoulder of the person in front of us and shuffled forward with our eyes closed. Our guide Ahmad played the theme song from Indiana Jones as we gazed in awe at the Petra treasury building.  Some corny fun to start a day of exploration in the archaeological marvel that is Petra.

The ancient ruins of Petra are astonishing in their size, they are amazingly well preserved, and they go on forever.  I would like to go back someday to take in the side trails and attempt the steep walk up to the monastery.



To get to Petra you walk a mile down through the Siq, a narrow slot canyon that protected Petra from invaders.


We looked at temples and ancient shopping malls.  Bedouins provide camel and donkey rides back up through Petra for people who get tired of walking. We walked. A lot.


The Not Dead Yet Tour does Petra!


The tomb area was open for exploration. Pat and Teresa are in the doorways. Another tourist photo bombed my picture.


The camels hang out in the tombs too.  I visited with a camel who was playing with a piece of garden hose.


Scott and John were in awe of the new sights around every corner on the loop trail we explored on the way back.


The wonders just kept coming.  



This amphitheater held 5,000 people.  They estimated the peak population of the area at 25 to 35 thousand people.


An aqueduct carried water into the valley.  The gradient of the pipes was exactingly calculated.


More!  Just amazing.


Scott and Teresa climbed up to an upper ruin to explore and enjoy the view.


After exploring on our own for the afternoon, we meandered back through the Siq and walked back to the motel.  The crowds were less and we enjoyed some moments of solitude.




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