One of 7 Wonders of the World

We got on the road early to get across the boarder to enter into Jordan.  There were several checkpoints along the way, which demonstrate the tension that exists between Israel and the rest of the Middle Eastern countries.  After making our way across the border, we had to get out of one car, walk across the boarder, and then enter a mini van.  Our tour guy was very friendly.  He as a Bedouin who had settled and stopped wandering the desert as the government had provided benefits for a sedentary lifestyle.  Computers for each student and quality schools helped people to decide to stay put because of the large emphasis on education by the King.

Our trip to Petra was filled with sights of landscape and people.  The people were mainly farmers, somehow scraping a life out of the desert.  When we arrived at Petra we began with a walk of a few miles. During this walk we saw carvings in the sandstone rock and we learned how these people created a water system.  It was truly an act of engineering greatness but it paled in comparison to the main building, the Treasury, which is the building that is in the Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade film.  When we got there it was crazy.  The building was carved out of the stone and was very ornate.  As we walked around we were impressed by what we saw and thought this must be it.  Our tour guide continued to take us down a path, and after about a half-mile we walked through the tombs of former residents.  These were caves, carved out of the walls of the cavern.  The wealthier the person, the more orate the decorations around the tomb were.  In speaking with our guide, we found out that in 1989 there were 75 or so people still living in the ??????????????????????????98 lost’ city what was not found by the western world until the 1880s.  The King offered these people a place to live upon a nearby hill so that they would have electricity and running water.  Some took the deal and others stayed in the stone city to live.  Today there are about 25 people who are living in the caves in this area.

We split from our guide here and made a  914 step assent to the top of the mountain to view the ‘Monastery’, another large carved out of stone building.  Jen was recovering from a bout of bronchitis and she had to work hard to power through this part of the trip.  She made it and that was quite a feat.  As we hike to the top, many who chose to use the local taxis instead of walking passed us.  The local taxis I am referring to were donkeys.  Some seemed to be treated well, others…..well not so much.

This was a very neat experience because we were not prepared for all that was there and what it took to make this place come into existence 6000 years ago.  Pictures and words will not do it justice, but it is worth checking out on the Internet to learn a bit more about this place.  The Jordanian people were wonderful and friendly, and the whole trip was great.  However, and there is always a however.  Upon our return to the border there were several checkpoints and stops in which I had to be screened a bit more carefully.  When we got back to Israel, I was asked to wait while the security does whatever it is that they do.  Everyone else got through but they were allowed to wait with me.  The man who was in charge of our transport came over and asked what country I was from.  After telling him American, he asked if I had been to Afghanistan, Iran, Iraq or Syria.  I said no, but I have been to Morocco.  He was a bit perplexed as to why I was held up as well.  Luckily, after being asked a few questions about my family tree we were able to move along.  We did get stuck for a bit, but there was a British kid named Ben there, who was there before us, and was still there when we left.  So at least we got through quicker than him.  We arrived back to our hotel in Eliat, with the red sand of Petra embedded in our clothing and shoes, and completely satisfied with our trip to one of the wonders of the world-Petra.