PETRA, JORDAN

Petra is one of the New 7 wonders of the world.  It’s nick name is the Red Rose City.  Those of us that live near Southern Utah are pretty well spoiled with the same type of topography of the Narrows and Red Rock country.  But outside of the naturally formed canyons and red colored sandstone, Zion doesn’t house an ancient culture dating back to around 106 A.D.

This place, and the Bedouin villagers who inhabit it, are such a beautifully mysterious people.  The culture was very intriguing.

Ok…so now that the brief (hopefully accurate) history/geography lesson is over…I can say this place was Awesome!  Really, just…unreal!  A few of  the facades that were etched into the mountain sides were amazing in detain.  The Treasury and Monastery where the most magnificent in stature and detail.  The Monastery was located deep with in the canyon and then atop the mountain.  Todd and his brothers made it on foot- but there was no way I would.  It was a 2 mile walk and then a 900 stair climb from there.  Anne and I did not want to miss out on seeing it though.  So we each grabbed a donkey and were on our way!  We laughed and laughed as we came up on John and Lesa riding their donkeys too!  We thought for sure we’d be the only ones.  What a great adventure that was.  What’s better than riding a donkey up 900 stand stone stairs? Riding a donkey DOWN 900 stairs!     

MT NEBO/ AMMAN

From Petra we drove to the top of Mt. Nebo, where it is said that Moses spent his final days before he ‘died’.  From the top of the Mt. you can see across the Jordan Valley, where the Jordan River flows.  Also you can see Jericho, Jerusalem (on a clear day) and the Dead Sea.

From Mt. Nebo- we drove down to Amman, Jordan where we stayed at the Marriot overnight.  Oh how that Marriott Mattress and  7 Pillows called my name!  We slept like babies.

The capitol city of Amman is nick named the great white city because there is a law that states every building must be constructed of white stone.  These photos don’t grasp the beauty and rolling topography of the area very well.

 

TAYBET ZAMAN

Seeing this sign upon arrival at the Amman, Jordan airport- we new we had arrive somewhere half way around the world.

After nearly 30hrs of travel, our tour bus pulled into the most amazing hotel.  It was over a hundred years old and nestled deep in the country mountains of Jordan, located 20 minutes outside of the ancient city of Petra. 

We were welcomed with a refreshing fruit drink and an amazing spread of Middle Eastern Cuisine.  The buffet was just beautiful- the quality of food was fantastic!  We all felt like we had traveled back in time overnight.  I won’t be highlighting the rest of the hotels like this one, but the uniqueness and ambiance is unrivaled.  It was dark when we finally arrived- so when morning came we were in awe of the desert valleys that surrounded us on this hill top hideaway.    The rooms were pristine and full of old world charm.  Talk about a way to start a trip!

After sleeping for a few hrs.  Todd and I both found ourselves awake at 2 am for the next hour.  Then again around 4:30am we awoke to the sounds of the Muslim Salah, (ritual prayer) being broadcast from the minaret of the town Mosque.  We then, awoke again to the same sounds.  And finally to the sound of a cock crowing in the distance.  Although somewhat annoying because of our sleep deprivation,  another part of us embraced  the awe of where we were and recognized the public broadcast as such an integral part of the whole experience.  It definitely put into perspective the devout culture and surrounds in which we found ourselves.

After breakfast we made our way through the small city down to Petra.  As we drove through the streets, the towns people were anxiously awaiting their King.  The King of Jordan.  He was planning to visit the area and Petra the same day we were there!  There were flags raised and children waiting.  A small militia of armed vehicles and police manned the the surroundings.

Although we saw humble homes and destitute surroundings in some parts, we also saw larger homes being built and a relatively westernized part of Jordan mixed in with devout Muslim roots.