Wadi Musa, Ma'an Governorate, Jordan
The Nabataeans, a nomadic tribe from Western Arabia, arrived in what’s now known as Petra in the 6th century BC. Over the 500 years that followed they built the city with an accumulation of wealth from the trade of myrrh, frankincense and spices. In its good times, around 10 BC - 40 AD, Petra housed around 30,000 people. By 106 AD, as trade routes shifted, the Romans assumed control of Petra. It continued to thrive until a large earthquake in 363 AD destroyed much of it and it became a ‘lost city’ known only to in-the-know Bedouins.
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In 1812, a Swiss explorer named Johannes Burckhardt, set out to “rediscover” Petra. Dressed as an Arab he convinced his Bedouin guide to take him to the ‘lost city’. After his “rediscovery”, Petra became increasingly known in the West as a fascinating and beautiful ancient place, and it began attracting visitors as it continues to do to this day. Petra was designated a UNESCO world heritage site in 1985, and it became one of the ‘new’ Seven Wonders of the World in 2007.
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As ‘wonders’ go, I wonder when it was that the administrators of this ancient treasure decided to fill its grounds with tacky souvenir stands. There’s almost nowhere in Petra that you can go without tripping over them. To get to the Royal tombs - a 200 step staircase climb - you need to move through a seemingly endless corridor of hawkers.
Even on the quiet, almost tourist-less, ‘High Place of Sacrifice” hike there’s a souvenir stand close to the top.
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An admission ticket to Petra is a bit of an issue too. Jordanians pay the equivalent of $2CDN to enter the site. Habitants of other Arab nations pay double - $4CDN. As for us, the far off ones, we’re charged $102CDN - a little better than 50 times more than the locals.
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While well preserved 2,000 year old architecture is hard to come by, if I had my druthers I’d have given Petra a pass and gone diving in the Gulf of Aqaba.
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Meanwhile, on das boot:
The 11th and top deck of the Constellation has a massive bar/meeting area called ‘Reflections’. Windows stretch across the entire front providing a magnificent view of the sea. A wonderful place to both relax and reflect. Elenka and I were there reading this morning while a Christian service was being held behind us.
It’s easy to not pay attention to such events when only one person speaks. During the service, however, a point came when the Padre asked his congregants if any of them wanted to pray for something special. Two, maybe more voices now — disruption! A woman put up her hand and asked for a prayer to be said for the birthrate in the Philippines.
‘London Rules’, the Mick Heron novel I was reading slid from my hands and banged loudly on the floor. Sure, baby making in the Philippines is sky-high, but what right did this self-righteous woman in a flock of all-white sheep have to criticize the birthrate of an entire nation? I said as much to Elenka.
“Earthquake, not birthrate!” Elenka said. “The woman requested that prayers be said for the victims of the recent earthquake in the Philippines.”
I growled, picked up the book from the floor and continued reading.
Matej
2019-04-30
Myself I would skip Petra too. But Majka would surely drag me there anyway. But it´s good to see more pictures of the place, not only the typical entrance view. I love the rocks.
Cate
2019-04-30
Interesting history lesson, as well you're a born storyteller Jack. Truly interesting place....I wouldn't have missed it for the world.............Great pictures Ellen.....I believe you missed your calling.
Irene
2019-04-30
Hey Jack, I love following you and Elenka. Your pictures are so incredibly beautiful, it's almost impossible to imagine the turmoil that surrounds. I have never travelled abroad, I am grateful to be included in your blogs. I truly enjoy reading about your travels and seeing the pictures, you are blessed to have a professional photographer at your side, and she is most pleasant! safe journeys my friends, until next time, be safe.
Margo
2019-05-06
Fantastic pic of Petra.
Valerie Randall
2019-05-10
you describe the adventure well, both with photos and words
Renate
2019-05-13
I agree with all been has said. Thanks so much.