Our group gathered at 8am to walk through the Siq into the ancient city of Petra. The guide exclaimed that it was quite unusual how few groups were there. We had complete access with no crowding as we walked and tried to see everything. We were walking into a deep ravine with colorful, vertical rock walls which narrowed the walking space for long distances. The walk in was continually downhill. It had rained two days before, so the rocks of Petra had all their color. Additionally, the dust was down and we could see clearly. The guide said that that was not typical. We saw God's favor again on this trip.
Petra itself is beautiful and incredible. Only 9% of this city is excavated and that is 27 sq. miles. After walking for over an hour, the path was made of stones placed there by the Romans. They were discovered only 18 yrs. ago. Another 45 min. later, we emerged from the Siq to an amazing sight, an open area with a huge Treasury building (it is featured in an Indiana Jones movie). This not a bank, but a two-story tomb where they believed treasure had been placed with an important person's burial. It was carved out of sandstone and was very elaborate in design. The valley was wider now and there were many more buildings cut out of the rock, one after another, all beautiful and elaborate. We continued to walk another mile through the city. We saw ancient carvings of humans and camels in the rock walls, and we witnessed their elaborate system for collecting water for the city using ceramic in water channels along the walls, just another demonstration of their talent and intellect.
We climbed steps cut out of rock to high trails leading to places of sacrifice to their gods. We didn't go that far, but Gary sat on a high precipice and looked out over the whole canyon. He saw more amazing carved tombs everywhere. Along the way, there was an amphitheatre large enough to seat thousands. And, there were caves all over, some of which still housed some Bedouin who worked in Petra. (There were Bedouin all over Jordan and many, many worked inside here. Young children were peddling their wares. We were encouraged to not buy from them, but rather to tell them to go to school where they should have been. People sold everything from camel rides to jewelry, to books, to food, to chariot rides, to tapestry, to horse rides. Men were everywhere with their donkeys and horses, and continually rode back and forth to drum up trade. Often it created a circus-like atmosphere. At least twice, we saw men arguing to the point of fighting. Once a group which included one woman was seated discussing a topic heatedly. The woman apparently offered her opinion and she was ordered out of their midst instantly! Later, men with horses were competing for business, I think. They got loud and angry. Because there were few tourists that day, they were very eager to make deals and were ready to bargain with us. Tourists tended to buy those chariot & horse rides on the long walk back out--all uphill.)
Robert, the president of our touring company, gave us a wonderful biblical message at a spot along the way. He showed where it was prophesied that this thriving city would be no more because it went against Israel and rejoiced at their misfortune. I had read about this very prophecy in Obadiah before leaving on the trip. His message was mostly from Ezekiel. Within 500 yrs. the city of Sela (Petra) was gone. Now it is just a desolate tourist place. This is a strong warning to us to remember to pray for Israel and to support God's chosen people.
We walked perhaps 3 miles into Petra or more, going to the end of the ruins, climbing up into a latter era temple before we returned. That made for a long uphill journey in the heat of the day. But the light had changed and the day was much hotter and dustier. Naturally, the rocks were all different colors than before and showed new angles and edges. Needless to say, we took way too many pictures. (For me, it was important that I was touching 3000 yr old rock formations and carvings.)
We were back at our hotel by 12:45 pm for another fabulous lunch. We had some interesting interactions with the Jordanian servers and then we left for Amman, a 3 1/2 hr drive to the north.
Amman is a very modern city of 2 1/2 million people. We stayed the night in the Intercontinental. Amazing again! Everything was so authentically Jordanian and lavish. We had robes here and bath scales!!! And, there were two stools in the bathroom, not a bidet..The rooms had wonderful cups available with a heatable water pot. The tea tasted wonderful!
The next day we were headed back to Jerusalem and then on home. We thought it would be a nondescript day. However, it was probably the best day of the whole trip.
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