May 10 - Petra Jordan

OK, the cat is out of the bag. I caught an evening flight from Dubai to Amman, Jordan and headed to Petra. Which was the reason I went on this World Cruise in the first place.

I only told my daughter and best friend, so as not to worry anyone else.

Petra was not what I expected. I though it was a canyon of shrines carved into the mountain side. However, it was the capital city of the Nabataean Empire from the 1st century BC, with a population of 20,000+. It was a center of power, based on the frankincense, myrrh and spices trade route. A earthquake in 363 AD destroyed much of the city. That and the changes in the trade routes, eventually led to the downfall of the city. It was rediscovered in 1812 by a Swiss explorer.

First we saw the Djinn Blocks (square monuments).

Next was the Dam

Then we entered the Siq, a narrow gorge (natural splitting of the mountain), which leads visitors into Petra.



And of course, we see the ever popular "Treasury"



And finally the 'Theater'


We also saw the Royal Tombs in the distance


Sights along the route


We headed back, via golf cart. After walking in 95 degree heat, with little sleep, it was the best $20, I've spent.






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