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The purpose of this journey was to look at this Wonder – ancient Nabataean’s city Petra in Jordan.
A little of history
Nabataean’s kingdom reached its zenith about 2000 years ago. Its capital was the city of Petra. Nature, time, water and wind crated in mountain mass midst hilly desert of Present Jordan the narrow passage, driven to small valley, in which the Nabataeans have built their capital. All buildings were cut out inside the earth material.
At the beginning of Common Era the city had been gradually losing its commercial importance and finally decayed. Petra was again discovered by Swiss archeologist only in 19th century.
Our “spy” mission
Now we are driven by bus from Akaba airport to Petra. There are glorious views of Jordan all around. Like this…
In order to be like the native population and watch insensibly, we took a decision to wear the national clothes.
It has “worked”!
I was a single man in all Petra in such clothes. 
As a matter of fact we became the subjects of special focus of the tourists (their cameras were snapshoting continually) and local Gypsies (though they call themselves Bedouins).
The Passage to Petra
This is the road to the ghost city Petra – narrow and curving passage in the Jordan mountains with 3 km in length.
Sometimes it becomes narrower…
sometimes it widens.
Inside one of its walls ancient craftsmen carved camel and his driver. There is a barrel over there, pads are below, the driver is straight before us (to be more precise – his legs only). There is a water pipe midst camel’s pads. Unfortunately time was cruel with this creation.
While my photographer is shooting me, I am taking photos of her. Do you see the stair beyond her, which will take us nowhere? One can often meet them here.
Here is one of them – the stairway to heaven.
I did scam a little bit. Cannot do without it.
Petra – Capital of the Nabataeans
Until this moment we admired the miracles of nature. But suddenly the artificial miracle has appeared. The contrast, impressions and shock were significant!
Petra is an historical and archaeological city in the Jordan, that is famous for its rock-cut architecture
THIS was just carved inside the mountain!
No drawings, no disc-parts of the columns, as Greeks did, – just carved inside the stone – top to bottom.
It hard to believe, but it was made by people 2000 years ago!
And it’s not required the interior décor – it is beautiful without it.
There are various commercial buildings all around.
And this one is, perhaps, some important Ministry. The stairs is again carved. I’ll have a look.
But ubiquitous Romans could capture even such a strengthened by nature city as Petra was. It stands to reason, that they carved the theatre inside the rock immediately.
As well as their cathedral.
The rich Nabataeans have had the bigger caves… well, apartments, even with two floors, stairs and passages sometime.
But the majority of apartments are one-room.
Though due to nature efforts it’s no need to decorate walls and ceiling.
It seemed that my photographer has tired and took a rest in the sun.
All right, I’ll call a chopper then
On our return trip the Jordanian guide asked, if it possible to call Petra the Wonder of the World? Definitely it possible, – I thought, – if to take away the “Gypsies”. But I kept silent.
To resume: We have not seen even the half of what can see.
If to try back, I’ll come to Petra in the evening, have a night at the hotel, go to ghost city in the morning, spend the whole day there, and then again have a night at the hotel and return back in the morning.
If you like this post, please share!
Thank you
January 13, 2012 at 10:28 am
Great photos!
I visited in 2002, and would, if given the chance, go again tomorrow!
January 13, 2012 at 11:03 am
Me too. Right now !
January 13, 2012 at 10:47 am
This is now on my bucket list!
January 13, 2012 at 10:54 am
How fantastic all of these photos are. So much beauty and wonder! You captured it very well. I can’t imagine the awe you must have felt whilst there.
January 13, 2012 at 11:04 am
Yoa are right. We were happy.
January 13, 2012 at 11:00 am
Beautiful photos. A destination I had not previously considered. Like savyan, now on my bucket list, too!
January 13, 2012 at 1:11 pm
Good luck! This is the wise decision.
January 13, 2012 at 11:29 am
Wow. So beautiful and so incredibly impressive.
January 13, 2012 at 11:46 am
I have heard of how beautiful it is in Petra, they all were right
Amazing photos, great post, thanks for sharing 
January 13, 2012 at 1:01 pm
You must see it youself, necessarily. This is one of the Wonders of the World.
January 13, 2012 at 7:14 pm
WoW!!!! Your pictures are fabulous and your story is hysterical! You wanted to look like the natives and became the center of attention!
January 14, 2012 at 12:28 am
Yes, this masquerade was very entertaining
January 13, 2012 at 8:44 pm
I would love to go to Petra!!! Great photos.
January 13, 2012 at 9:19 pm
Wow, you are so very lucky. What an incredible experience! Fantastic photos!!
January 14, 2012 at 6:37 am
Beautiful pictures! and a great experience most of all… in consideration of the actual situation over there…
but anyway you both got a real fun. As matter of fact this is the best way to blend into the local landscape and community… I used it myself a lot of time, with only a little problem: when you are a woman in an Islamic country you shouldn’t go around by yourself… But, well, I’m a Word’s Citizen.
Claudine
Well, about “chameleon’s mimetic” I dare say a few things weren’t at the right place
See you around and all the best for your next trip!
http://claudinegiovannoni.wordpress.com
January 14, 2012 at 7:13 am
It is very interesting. But where You used it? And how?
January 24, 2012 at 1:37 pm
It was in several moslem countries: Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Emirates, Marokko, Tunisia, Egipt, Tanzania, many Indonesia’s islands…
claudine
But I always had a “flair” to use the local dresses (just to melt with the land and culture).
Serenità e a presto
January 24, 2012 at 10:20 pm
It is always like a small carnival
January 14, 2012 at 6:42 am
I love this set of photos. So beautiful!
January 14, 2012 at 9:07 am
My wife and I were talking just this week about making plans to go to the Holy Land. Considering that it would be four of us, the cost is scary. But while we were discussing the optional number of days included in a particular trip, we notice that Petra was part of the “extended tour” that cost more. We decided that if we were going to spend the money to go, we would have to see Petra. Thanks for your photos. Now all that’s left is to sell everything I have to buy tickets.
January 14, 2012 at 9:20 am
But… Petra worth it.
January 14, 2012 at 9:39 am
I spent two days exploring Petra back in 1993, I think that was before it was used in Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade. Great photos (as usual Victor) did you get to visit the building called the Monastery? It’s about an hour’s climb from the main site and almost as spectacular as the Treasury building.
January 14, 2012 at 10:55 pm
No
We have had only a few hours, but Petra needs at least two day as You know. So I”ll return.
January 14, 2012 at 12:33 pm
Fabulous! Such a fantastic and amazing place.
January 14, 2012 at 8:38 pm
Incredible! I hope to make it there one day!
January 15, 2012 at 3:21 am
Great shots and amazing place! I was there three years ago and had the most fantastic experience, the people were so friendly and the food in Jordan is delicious! Have you tried Makloubeh lamb?
January 15, 2012 at 5:58 am
Unfortunately, no. We have been there only a few hours.
January 16, 2012 at 8:23 am
Wonderful photos Victor, and I loved your commentary throughout – made me chuckle. Great outfits!
January 16, 2012 at 11:31 pm
Yes, we like to have a little fun
January 16, 2012 at 10:40 am
Brilliant story! What a fun way to showcase a day at Petra. Spy mission? Love it. Those ‘gypsies’ can get a little much… At least the ones touting ‘air-conditioned Ferraris’!
January 16, 2012 at 11:32 pm
Ferrari?! Hm… have not seen.
January 16, 2012 at 1:39 pm
Your photos are stunning. Petra just moved way up on my “must-see” list.
Thanks for the inspiration
January 16, 2012 at 11:09 pm
I am very glad
Inspiration is my goal.
January 16, 2012 at 7:54 pm
Absolutely breathtaking. Thank you so much for sharing the photos. Given a chance, I’d LOVE to see it in person!
January 17, 2012 at 4:39 am
Wonderful photos, i am visiting in April, can’t wait:)
January 17, 2012 at 8:06 am
Oh, yes. I understand You
January 17, 2012 at 4:48 am
It’s a trip I’ve had in mind for years, it’s good to see it still looks as amazing as it always has.
Thanks for the great post!
January 17, 2012 at 5:45 pm
Oh, wow! Some amazing pictures, it was never somewhere I would have really considered travelling to, until now!
January 18, 2012 at 9:57 am
Fantastic! I’ve always wanted to go to Petra. I had never thought about what these structures look like inside – how remarkably beautiful.
January 18, 2012 at 9:26 pm
‘I was a single man in all Petra in such clothes.’ haha. Anyway, amazing story you have here. thanks sharing it. greeting
January 19, 2012 at 2:05 am
One of my favourite places in the world. Good to see you had a fun adventure there Victor. Take a trip up one of the mountain trails – great views.
January 19, 2012 at 3:15 am
Next time I will.
January 20, 2012 at 11:12 am
Great post! Brought back all the fun memories of when I was there a year ago. Petra is one of those magical, mysterious, beautiful places that I always go back to in my mind when reminiscing about various places I’ve visited.
January 24, 2012 at 2:34 pm
Petra is one of those places that I’ve always wanted to visit. More so now, having seen your photos and read your account! Wonderful!
January 24, 2012 at 10:32 pm
Thank You and welcome
January 24, 2012 at 7:06 pm
Thank you for taking us to Petra, Victor! Great photos. I have lived in the Middle East, Iran to be specific.. I never realised such a beautiful place existed in Jordan.. Now it is on our list of places to visit.
~Cat~
January 24, 2012 at 11:04 pm
Do it, untill politic das not prevent!
January 25, 2012 at 11:05 pm
I went on the spy mision last year and like you, all I want to do is return. Such impressive pictures you took. Love it that you do the local clothes, I’ll think about that next time. I xan imagine the attention you attracted from other tourists.
January 25, 2012 at 11:19 pm
Then You will have to put on paranja
Are You ready?
January 30, 2012 at 9:31 am
Reblogged this on sojournwithstacey and commented:
As a travel agent (especially one who is only 30 years old) there are only so many place that I can have already travelled in my life. It’s so nice to have people go to the other places and share their marvelous experiences with me (and the world). This journey to Petra was absolutely stunning!
February 1, 2012 at 4:14 pm
Absolutely stunning pictures from Petra
February 4, 2012 at 12:56 pm
Beautiful! I visited Petra a few years ago. Your photos bring back fond memories to me. And also, thanks for stopping by Ripple Effects.
February 4, 2012 at 10:56 pm
Beautiful pictures. One place on my visit-list
February 9, 2012 at 11:22 pm
I love Petra, I went there 3 years ago and still compare all archaeology places I go to it!
February 10, 2012 at 4:49 am
The same with me. What can be compared with Petra!
February 19, 2012 at 6:28 pm
This looks great – I always wanted to go to Jordan. I am sure I will get there next year.
February 20, 2012 at 3:07 am
I hope You will do it. Good luck!
February 20, 2012 at 11:11 pm
Great pix of “The rose-red city, half as old as time…”
“Petra” by John William Burgon
March 1, 2012 at 9:26 pm
One of my all time….MUST SEE!!
March 8, 2012 at 11:24 pm
Good report. Petra has been on my bucket list for a while now. Definitely plan to visit.
May 16, 2012 at 6:50 am
Hey Vic….
I need some help planning a trip to Jordan.
Did you visit Jerash and the Dead Sea? Did you travel by car of local transport?
Also, how many days did you spend in Petra?
May 16, 2012 at 8:39 am
Hi.
That was the excursion with a group from Sharm El Sheih, Egipt. Only to Petra and back.
August 14, 2012 at 3:55 pm
Really great post Victor. What a fabulous sight! I will add Petra to my list of places to see. Thank you!
August 14, 2012 at 9:49 pm
Thank you and good journey!
November 12, 2012 at 9:37 am
Simply amazing!
November 12, 2012 at 7:50 pm
I recognize so much of that and it brought back such fabulous memories. I rode my first camel there… um… and didn’t enjoy it much.
November 12, 2012 at 8:32 pm
Because of it we was only walking
March 18, 2013 at 12:14 pm
Oh, I have always wanted to go to Petra and with your description and so many photos there and along the way, makes me feel I was there. Thank you !
March 18, 2013 at 12:37 pm
No, no… You have to go there personally.