Petra

It was pretty cold and pitch black when we started walking down from our hotel to the entrance of Petra at 5:30 am, the probably most known archeological site in Jordan - and a long lasting dream of mine to see. Peeling ourselves out of bed so early, however, was well rewarded: we were the only ones and first to walk down the Sik, the narrow gorge that leads to the Treasury. Walking down this steep valley with straight sides made out of sandstone is impressive and intimidating at the same time. We only heard our footsteps echoing back at us while our excitement grew with every step we took - another bend around the corner and there it was...

It was amazing to come out of the narrow Sik and - boom - stand in front of it! And pure luxury, as we learned later, to have it all to ourselves - not even the coffee and tea sellers were up yet. It was a magical moment that I won't forget and it could not have been any better.

We decided to use the early hours and hike the High Place of Sacrifice Route. We had splendid views over the valley while climbing continuously up until we reached the top. The route brought us to the more off the beaten track areas of Petra which we thoroughly enjoyed. I especially found the area around the Roman Soldier's grave enchanting and the energy of that place was one of it's kind. It is tucked away in a side valley and we were the only ones there. 

After climbing up and around every grave and stone, we continued towards the Monastery - the second, if not more photographed building in Petra.

Now... I have some painful memories of riding a donkey once in Egypt some 19 years ago hence why I thought I'll certainly not be carried up that mountain but walk by myself - halfway up I somewhat regretted that decision.

It is a steep walk. The steps are high and irregular but you are rewarded with beautiful views along the way. Once you come closer to your final destination, the kind Beduin women who try to sell you every possible trinket existing in Jordan, encourage you by saying "you almost made it, only 5 more minutes" - except that they start telling you this already 20 minutes before you enter a wide empty plaza where the Monastery awaits you. 

It is beautifully carved, though much less decorated than the Treasury, and so huge that even the door is several stories tall (see the blue little dot in the middle of the door - that's not a 5-year-old kid)! Its name, like most Petra structures, does not reflect reality: it was most probably a Nabatean temple.

We sat down and enjoyed a well-deserved coffee gazing at it that helped us go up a bit further to have another view.

We wandered slowly back towards the Treasury, exploring, taking in the sheer size of the site, some of the still standing buildings with their history as well as today's inhabitants. 

The next day we went for another early visit and decided to hike up the path from where you look down at the Treasury. The hike was not as strenuous as the days' before and the sandstone had some wonderful textures and colors.

My fear of heights was less probed on the way up but challenged when approaching the look out over the Treasury. "You got a wonderful view on the Treasury", said Todd...

I chickened out and stayed a bit behind, enjoying my brekki with this view :)

In the evening we went to see the much-anticipated Petra by night show. Walking down the Sik under a sky full of stars and the pathway lit by candles was wonderful. And to then come around the corner to see the floor in front of the Treasury lit with hundreds of candle bags was a magical sight!

Front row, snapping away my night pictures and listening to a lonely Bedouin musician, I thought about how wonderful it would be to listen to some old Bedouin tale of Petra instead... :)