The Treasury. Petra, Jordan.
The purpose of this journey was to look at the wonder, the ancient Nabataean city of Petra in Jordan. It is the most visited tourist attraction in this country, and probably one of the Wonders of the World. At least, one building in Petra is a piece of art without any doubt.
A little of history
The Nabataean kingdom reached its apogee about 2000 years ago. Its capital was the city of Petra. In the mountains in the middle of a hilly desert in the territory of modern-day Jordan, nature, time, water, and wind created a narrow passage leading to a small valley in which the Nabataeans built their capital. All the buildings were carved inside the rocks.
At the beginning of the Common Era, the city gradually lost its commercial importance and finally fell into decay. Petra was rediscovered by Swiss traveler Johann Ludwig Burckhardt only in the 19th century.
Our “spy” equipment
After visiting the Luxor Temple in Egypt, we flew to Jordan and moved by bus from Aqaba Airport to Petra enjoying glorious views of Jordan all around. Like these:
To meld with the native population and watch them discreetly, we took a decision to put on ethnic Jordanian clothes, at least, on me.
It “worked!”
I was the only man in the whole of Petra in such clothes. 🙂
As a matter of fact, we became the subjects of special focus for every tourist (their cameras were shooting at every step) and local gypsies (though they call themselves Bedouins).
Passage to Petra
This is the road to the ghost city of Petra–a narrow and curving three-kilometer passage in the mountains of Jordan. Sometimes it becomes narrower, sometimes it widens.
In one of the walls, an ancient artist carved a camel and his owner. You can distinguish the belly of the camel, his hooves below, and his owner to the fore (to be more precise, only his legs). A trough of the city water conduit system lies between camel’s legs. Unfortunately, time was cruel with this piece of art.
While my photographer was shooting me in Jordanian national dress, I took photos of her. Do you see staircase behind her which leads nowhere? There are plenty of them here.
The eastern entrance to Petra called ‘the Siq’
Here is one of them—a stairway to heaven.
I prayed a bit at the top, just in case.
Petra. The Capital of the Nabataeans
Until this moment, we mainly admired miracles of nature, but suddenly, an artificial miracle appeared. The most famous building in Petra, the Treasury, modestly peeped out from between the rocks. The contrast, impression, and shock were significant!
Petra is the historical and archeological city in Jordan that is famous for its rock-cut architecture
THIS was just carved inside the mountain! No drawings, no round parts of columns as in Greece—the building just carved into the stone from top to bottom.
It is hard to believe that it was made by people 2000 years ago!
Interior decoration is not required—the hall is beautiful without it.
There are various commercial buildings around the Treasury.
This one was, perhaps, some important Ministry. The stairway. I’ll have a look.
The ubiquitous Romans managed to capture even such a natural stronghold as Petra. It stands to reason that they immediately carved a theater into the rock, and the temple nearby.
Rich Nabataeans had bigger caves—well, apartments—sometimes even with two floors, stairs, and passages, but most had only one room.
Due to the effects of nature, there was no need to decorate walls and ceiling.
It seems, my photographer tired and lay down to rest under the broiling sun.
All right, I’ll call a chopper.
On our return from Petra, our Jordanian guide asked, “Is it possible to call Petra a Wonder of the World?” Definitely it is possible.
Resume
We have not seen even a half of what can and must be seen, because of lack of time.
If I were to do it over, I would come to Petra in the evening, have a night at a hotel, go to the ghost city in the morning, spend the whole day there, then a second one, have a night at the hotel, and leave in the morning.
More about antique cities:
Fabulous Caesarea, Israel
Sailors’ Superstitions Couldn’t Stop Us from Visiting Ancient Ephesus
Pompeii and Herculaneum: Two Beautiful Mummies
January 13, 2012 at 10:28 am
Great photos!
I visited in 2002, and would, if given the chance, go again tomorrow!
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January 13, 2012 at 11:03 am
Me too. Right now ! 🙂
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January 13, 2012 at 10:47 am
This is now on my bucket list!
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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.
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January 13, 2012 at 11:04 am
Yoa are right. We were happy.
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January 13, 2012 at 11:00 am
Beautiful photos. A destination I had not previously considered. Like savyan, now on my bucket list, too!
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January 13, 2012 at 1:11 pm
Good luck! This is the wise decision.
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January 13, 2012 at 11:29 am
Wow. So beautiful and so incredibly impressive.
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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 😀
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January 13, 2012 at 1:01 pm
You must see it youself, necessarily. This is one of the Wonders of the World.
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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! 😆
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January 14, 2012 at 12:28 am
Yes, this masquerade was very entertaining 🙂
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January 13, 2012 at 8:44 pm
I would love to go to Petra!!! Great photos.
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January 13, 2012 at 9:19 pm
Wow, you are so very lucky. What an incredible experience! Fantastic photos!!
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January 14, 2012 at 6:37 am
Beautiful pictures! and a great experience most of all… in consideration of the actual situation over there…
Well, about “chameleon’s mimetic” I dare say a few things weren’t at the right place 🙂 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.
See you around and all the best for your next trip!
:-)Claudine
http://claudinegiovannoni.wordpress.com
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January 14, 2012 at 7:13 am
It is very interesting. But where You used it? And how?
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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…
But I always had a “flair” to use the local dresses (just to melt with the land and culture).
Serenità e a presto
:-)claudine
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January 24, 2012 at 10:20 pm
It is always like a small carnival 🙂
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January 14, 2012 at 6:42 am
I love this set of photos. So beautiful!
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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.
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January 14, 2012 at 9:20 am
🙂 I hope it will be not everything.
But… Petra worth it.
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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.
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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.
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January 14, 2012 at 12:33 pm
Fabulous! Such a fantastic and amazing place.
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January 14, 2012 at 8:38 pm
Incredible! I hope to make it there one day!
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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?
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January 15, 2012 at 5:58 am
Unfortunately, no. We have been there only a few hours.
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January 16, 2012 at 8:23 am
Wonderful photos Victor, and I loved your commentary throughout – made me chuckle. Great outfits!
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January 16, 2012 at 11:31 pm
Yes, we like to have a little fun 🙂
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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’!
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January 16, 2012 at 11:32 pm
Ferrari?! Hm… have not seen.
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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
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January 16, 2012 at 11:09 pm
I am very glad 🙂 Inspiration is my goal.
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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!
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January 17, 2012 at 4:39 am
Wonderful photos, i am visiting in April, can’t wait:)
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January 17, 2012 at 8:06 am
Oh, yes. I understand You 🙂
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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!
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July 11, 2013 at 10:54 pm
It is interesting when you realize your plan.
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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!
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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.
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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
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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.
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January 19, 2012 at 3:15 am
Next time I will.
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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.
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July 11, 2013 at 10:58 pm
I think we’ll come back for sure and not in mind.
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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!
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January 24, 2012 at 10:32 pm
Thank You and welcome 🙂
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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~
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January 24, 2012 at 11:04 pm
Do it, untill politic das not prevent!
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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.
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January 25, 2012 at 11:19 pm
Then You will have to put on paranja 🙂 Are You ready?
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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!
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July 11, 2013 at 11:00 pm
This is one of World Wonder.
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February 1, 2012 at 4:14 pm
Absolutely stunning pictures from Petra 🙂
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July 11, 2013 at 11:01 pm
They are always stunning. Thank you.
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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.
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February 4, 2012 at 10:56 pm
Beautiful pictures. One place on my visit-list
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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.
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February 20, 2012 at 3:07 am
I hope You will do it. Good luck!
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February 20, 2012 at 11:11 pm
Great pix of “The rose-red city, half as old as time…”
“Petra” by John William Burgon
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March 1, 2012 at 9:26 pm
One of my all time….MUST SEE!!
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March 8, 2012 at 11:24 pm
Good report. Petra has been on my bucket list for a while now. Definitely plan to visit.
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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?
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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.
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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!
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August 14, 2012 at 9:49 pm
Thank you and good journey!
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November 12, 2012 at 9:37 am
Simply amazing!
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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.
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November 12, 2012 at 8:32 pm
Because of it we was only walking 🙂
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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 !
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March 18, 2013 at 12:37 pm
No, no… You have to go there personally.
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September 27, 2013 at 7:36 pm
Gypsies??!
The boys that will give you a ride from the entrance to the siq are ‘fellahin’ (farmers: many own land, where they grow fruit & veg), but they live in Wadi Musa. They will tell you they are bedouin, cause that’s more interesting for tourists.
The boys that work inside (after the siq) they are the real bedouins (bduls).Their (grand)parents used to live in Petra in the caves and the place kind of belongs to them. They were moved to the village of Umm Sayhoun (by force) back in the 80’s. Local authorities (=Wadi Musa!) don’t make life easy for them. Example: they cannot get permission to open up hotels, restaurants or small tourist businesses and have no alternative than to rely on Petra. As all the land surrounding their village belongs to Wadi Musa farmers, it is also not possible to expand the village or to grow anything.
Jordan is great, but so corrupt.
Behind the facades….
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September 27, 2013 at 11:20 pm
Thank you, Sharida. Probably, many locals in “tourist paradises” have the same destiny.
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January 21, 2014 at 11:10 am
Reblogged this on closetoeighty and commented:
It’s my great pleasure to reblog this post from a fabulous Victor’s blog. I feel like I am traveling with Victor (saving a lot of money). Thank you, Victor.
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