Three days in Jordan
On a recent trip to Israel, I decided to do a side trip and spend three days in Jordan. My destination was the UNESCO site of Petra and Wadi Rum.
LITTLE PETRA – also known as Al Beidha
Little Petra is a UNESCO world heritage site. It was declared in 1985 and is situated 5km from the City of Petra. Little Petra is hidden away in the centre of a sandstone mountain. The only entrance and exit to Little Petra are via a 400-metre-long small Siq (crack in the sandstone rock). Archaeologists believe Little Petra once served as a trading post and agricultural centre. They think it was established by camel caravans and other travellers, who stopped and rested on their way to and from Petra.
When leaving the Siq, a set of narrow, carved stone stairs leads up to an exposed area with views into a small box canyon. It’s a very secluded, almost hidden place, making it once a great hideaway.
Little Petra
Little Petra is much smaller than the City of Petra, but it is no less impressive with its sandstone wall carvings.
The Siq
I walked back through the Siq, stopping to photograph the fantastic Nabataean monument, which had been carved into the sandstone wall. It’s very high up and cut into the rock face. The upper part was used as a formal dining room, and the lower caves served as a kitchen and accommodation.
The Siq is the narrow, winding 1 km walk leading to Petra. Part of the Siq is naturally occurring, rose-coloured rock. Into this rock are sculpted tombs and gods carved by the Nabateans. The height of the rock walls is up to 80 metres and ranges from 3- 12 metres wide. The floor is paved with stone slabs and sand.
After an enjoyable and fantastic walk along the Siq, the magnificent Treasury (Al Khazneh) emerges. It is Petra’s most magnificent façade. Standing tall at almost 40 meters high and approx. This intricately sculpted façade is a sight to behold thirty metres wide.
Petra
“Petra is known as The’‘Lost City” and is one of the seven wonders of the modern world. It is a Neolithic City full of monumental tombs, facades, and sacred structures. These were carved into the walls of the pink sandstone rock by the Nabataeans in the 3rd century BC. “Petra is known as The ‘Lost City” and is one of the seven wonders of the modern world. It is a Neolithic City full of monumental tombs, facades, and sacred structures. These were carved into the walls of the pink sandstone rock by the Nabataeans in the 3rd Century BC.
Due mainly to the Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade movie, which was filmed there, Petra became very popular, causing it to rank high on the list of tourist destinations. Visitors stand in amazement at this incredible site. Built around the 1st century BC, the original function of the Treasury is still a mystery. However, archaeologists believe it was used to store and hide money and treasures, hence the name.
After absorbing the Treasury’s beauty, surrounded by crowds of tourists, I continued walking through the rose-coloured city. Visitors are bombarded by hustlers trying to sell rides on their camels, horses, and donkeys or to purchase their trinkets. Children also accosted you by selling rocks, postcards and other small items. While it is annoying, they are all very friendly and not upset when their offers are declined.
Moreover, along the way, there are many carvings on the sandstone walls; at one stage, I came to a magnificent outdoor amphitheatre carved into the stone. Once seating 8500 people, it was built by the Romans in the 1st century AD.
Reaching The Monastery
At the end of the city walk, one had to make a big decision. For instance, should I walk up over 850 steep carved stone steps to the Monastery (Al-Deir) or not? If one doesn’t want to walk, there are offers of donkey rides up and down for a fee. However, after seeing the cruelty to the donkeys whipped by their guides, this turns off many of the people, and like me, they choose to take the 45 – 90-minute walk up the steps instead. In addition, the steps are not very wide and are shared with the donkeys. This added another difficulty for the walkers, as donkeys have the right of way, forcing all the walkers to walk at the cliff’s edge, which was sometimes very scary.
My 45-minute hike up the stairs, laden with heavy camera equipment, was challenging but worth it once I reached the top. Moreover, the Monastery was my second most meaningful experience in Petra. It was built in the 1st century AD as a mausoleum for the Nabataean King Aretas. The Monastery is forty-eight metres high and 67 metres wide, with a façade carved into the rose-coloured rock. Once again, there are many pushy stallholders all along the way up the steps, but they are very friendly and inspire the walkers to keep going.
Once at the top, there is a comfortable lounge inside one of the caves and a café selling fresh juices and snacks. I chose to sit there for a welcome respite and recover before attempting to walk back down. Given that no toilets are at the top of the Monastery, a quick visit before the climb is necessary.
Essentials For Your Day
During a full day in Petra, I walked 15.5 km and felt it the next day! It is possible to see everything in one full day there, even though it can sometimes be difficult with all the tourists. Everyone was amiable, and walking around the city went very smoothly.
Above all, it is essential to have good walking shoes. In addition, water, sunscreen, a sun hat, and modest clothing for women are signs of respect for the local people. Equally important, toilets are everywhere, and they are kept immaculately clean.
During my three days in Jordan, I stayed in Wadi Musa, the town directly next to Petra, where hotels and guest houses are within walking distance to Petra. It was a truly memorable experience, unlike any other, and one I would highly recommend.
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