"Not all Who Wander are Lost": "A Rose-Red City Half as Old as Time"

Our journey through time took us to the ancient city of Petra, a World Heritage Site and one of the New 7 Wonders of the World. This site is beyond description, so pictures will show you the beauty and majesty of structures built and carved right into rock. The colors of the red sandstone are gorgeous and change with the sunlight; we did our best to show them in photos, but nothing can truly compare to standing before them and exploring their beauty with your own eyes. If there is a site we recommend everyone taking the opportunity to experience, this is certainly one. Petra served as the capital city of the Nabateans and became a major trade route during the Hellenistic and Roman Times. Caravans transported such goods as the incense of Arabia, the silks of China and the spices of India. It also shows a remarkable water management system which enabled these civilizations to flourish. The tombs carved into the rock face are marvels of craftsmanship.The elaborate detail in the carvings and the similar style of columns to later groups in distant lands really stood out for us as well.

The Treasury

First glimpse of the Treasury when walking into Petra through the Siq

We spent a total of 14 hours hiking through the site. We honestly could have done more. There are several trails that take you away from the city center and to more spectacular views and carved structures that you cannot see if you simply take a quick tour through the main thoroughfare. We climbed several hundred stairs and withstood some intense winds at the top of high cliffs but were rewarded with views of the surrounding valleys and the rock mountains surrounding the city. We had plenty of opportunities to enjoy the site in peace as we were there well beyond the day tour hours and took trails when others were exploring the city center. Our final hike took us to the back of the tombs on the side of the Roman Theatre and we were alone about 10 feet behind one other fellow taking this path. This was one of the best walks of the site as we had it to ourselves and we saw more tombs and a garden area that employed the irrigation strategies the Nabateans used to hydrate their community. Another great trek was up through a high trail behind the main city which led to a beautiful overlook of the famed treasury building. We reached this spot and it was like we had the entire site to ourselves. Petra is absolutely amazing!

Many of the tombs and structures in and around the City

Theatre - completely carved out of existing rock; seating capacity 8000

The Monastery

We hope you enjoy the preview of Petra and are inspired to journey to this incredible place! By the way, for any fellow Indiana Jones fans out there, you will likely recognize the Treasury from The Last Crusade movie – a scene which Anthony tried in vain to reenact but was unable to coax a camel driver to lend him his camels for a few hours…maybe next time. Cool stuff!