Petra - The “Lost” City
Petra is a UNESCO World Heritage site, known primarily to Americans for being in Indiana Jones’ Raiders of the Lost Ark movie. It’s a 2,000 year old center of trade that flourished mainly between 300 BC and 363AD, when an earthquake and evolving trade routes by sea instead of land led to its demise. The Nabateans were skilled tradespeople who facilitated commerce between China, India, the Far East, Egypt, Syria, Greece and Rome in spices, incense, gold, animals, iron, copper, sugar, medicines, ivory, perfumes and fabrics. Petra had advanced technology for harvesting rain water, and the gargantuan carvings made into the rock face two millenia ago is an amazing and beautiful feat. The site is huge and could take a week to explore. The 24k steps on Mike’s pedometer was a personal record for him. After 5 hours of walking in the sun, we decided to splurge on the local forms of transportation (by mule and horse) for the uphill climb back to the site entrance, which Mike happily overpaid for.
The entrance to the W Amman was designed like the Siq in Petra; a modern interpretation. I loved all of the local architectural design incorporated into the hotel.
Ashraf Bdour was our local tour guide for the week. He has a master’s degree and is smart, stylish and charming. He decided to quit smoking half way through our trip. His family is from Petra and he is one of ten kids.
Marguerite van Geldermalsen came to Petra in the 70’s as a backpacker/tourist, married a local and stayed. Her book “Married to a Bedouin” helped me to understand the culture and I was lucky to meet her! (I was one step from heat stroke in this photo from backtracking to find her booth).
Abdullah, the 10-year enterprising salesman, showed us the best angles for photos at The Treasury, and took the photo of me and Mike at the top left of this page. His English was perfect, which he told me he learned in school.
Kohl is used by both men and women there, as demonstrated by the handsome man on the left. I bought a colorful bracelet from him later in the day. Another little boy gifted me a silver bangle. I was forever charmed.
I bought a doll from this lovely Bedouin woman. All of her dolls had grumpy faces, unlike the artist.
We also visited Little Petra the day before, which was kind of a “rest stop” for caravans on the way to Petra. I can just imagine the belly dancers, tea drinking, smoking and partying that went on there during its heyday. One of the Bedouins during our horse ride asked Mike how many wives he had. Successful Bedouin men to this day purchase additional wives, donkeys and firearms with their fortunes (eg stuff that can move around with them as nomadic peoples do). This was an amazing trip that we will never forget! More photos here, including the one of the grumpy doll and Mike riding a mule.