JORDAN
PETRA, JORDAN (visited 11/99; written circa 7/00)
The lookout spot referred to in the Bible - it was freezing up there!
Petra rocks - no pun intended! This place is on my "top 5" list of all time favorite travel destinations. We docked at the port city of Aqqabba, in the Red Sea, and from there the ancient site of Petra was about a three hour bus drive through the desert. I experienced the Jordanian desert to be truly beautiful and mystical. Rich colors were reflecting in every direction as the sunbeams darted in and out through the clouds.
Standing on the edge of a cliff with my new old jacket
The bus made a stop about halfway to our destination at a famous "lookout" spot that is referred to in the Bible, but sorry, I have forgotten it's name! Stepping off of the bus I was astonished to find that it was FREEZING cold up there. I never knew that it actually got so cold during the day in this part of the world, but it does. Most of us were unprepared, donning t-shirts and summer clothing.
Do you like my camel?
When we arrived in Petra, I knew I wouldn't be happy freezing my butt off all day, so I bought a jacket from a local vendor before going into the actual site. The immensity of Petra really took me by surprise. I don't know why I hadn't heard more about this place when I was growing up. The first thing I saw were these amazing rock formations jutting straight up into the air. They don't look real! Carved into the sides are tombs from at least 1000 years ago. I don't know how people managed to survive way out there in the desert, but they did and still do.
Then we walked down this narrow canyon-like pathway, which is almost like walking down a tunnel because the rocks on either side shoot straight up and are extremely high. At the end of this path is an exquisite building called the "Ministry of Finance" building (I think that is what they call it), which was chiseled and carved right into the rockface by people on scaffolding. I was told that this spot was featured in one of the "Indiana Jones" movies. It's an incredible structure, but mostly on the the outside, because on the inside, there are only 3 small rooms! It looks like a palace from the outside, though.
The Ministry of Finance building is the finest surviving architectural example on the site, but there are many other structures still intact as well. There are countless tombs with layers of different colored geological strata on the inside walls, a huge ampitheater, and astounding natural rock formations everywhere.
Petra is a powerful spot from many perspectives: historically, geologically, and spiritually. During our visit there was actually a Christian ceremony taking place, with monks singing medieval sounding melodies in a pavilion that was a church in former times. Apparently at one time the entire area was dominated by Christianity.
Tourist fatigue!
I would have to say that there is a special sacred feeling that pervades Petra, and if you are willing to risk travelling to a somewhat unstable part of the world I highly recommend a visit to Petra.
Making a sale at the ruins
Is that a 5th appendage or are you just happy to see me?!
Multi layered strata of various colors
The beautiful twilight desert bus ride back to the ship
to the next PhotoJournal page - "DJIBOUTI"
all text and photos Copyright (C) 1999-2000 Harry Miller
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