Petra in Jordan

Petra is one of those places that need no introduction.  It is considered one of the new 7 Wonders of the World and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.  The area around Petra was settled as early as 7,000 years ago.  For 2,000 years only the local Bedouins knew of its existence.  Then in 1812 a Swiss traveler, Johann Ludwig Burckhardt, who converted to Islam, and disguised himself as an Arab, found the lost city.  Today most westerners heard of Petra or seen images of it from the movie "Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade."

We arrived in Petra in the afternoon and after checking into the Petra Boutique Hotel, was given a quick tour of the town.  We were asked whether we wanted to go see "Petra by Night" a light show presented in the middle of Petra itself.  Many raised their hands but after dinner, I was the only who wanted to go.

Petra Boutique Hotel

The hotel is located about a 5-minute walk from the entrance to Petra.  The night show was supposed to start at 8pm and costs $30.  After dinner Mohammed took me to the entrance of Petra and helped me buy a ticket.  When I walked inside the road to Petra it was pitched dark.  Luckily, I met a couple of young British guys and walked with them for about a mile and a half before we saw a crowd.

The show was ready to start at the Treasury Building.  It was a LED show with some commentary.  The show lasted about 30 minutes and was quite impressive.  

The next morning after breakfast, we gathered in front of the entrance to Petra.  Mohammed gave us a talk about the history of Petra and what we are about to see.

Entrance to Petra

Plaza in front of Entrance

Map of Petra

Mohammed explaining the layout of Petra

We first visited the museum before walking into the grounds of Petra.

Museum

Walking the road inside

Ruins on the way

Toilets along the way

We walked inside a narrow passageway between the rocks.

Mohammed explaining the water collection system

More walking

Carvings on the sides

As we walked through a narrow passageway, it finally opened up.  We have arrived at the highlight of Petra - the Treasury Building.  There was a big crowd in front of the building.

Narrow Passageway

Finally, the Treasury

There is more to Petra than the Treasury.  This area has been settled by many tribes and people.  What remains today show the different people who lived  here.

After lots of walking in the area some of us were ready to take the golf carts out of the canyon.  It costs $15 to take one of those carts.  Before we leave Petra we had a final group picture in front of the Treasury Building.

The group with Mohammed squatting

It was a long and exciting day.  Many of us signed up for this pre-trip just to visit Petra.  We were not disappointed.  Seeing it in person and experiencing the surroundings made a big difference.  We are now ready to travel to Egypt to see more historic sites.