Since the Eco-Lodge had minimal electricity use, our wake up "call" (i.e., staff knocking on our door and yelling, "WAKE UP CALL!") was relatively early and relaxing. After a delicious Jordanian breakfast - I'm sure all of my posts will in some way reference food we ate :) - we loaded all of our things into the pickup trucks and were off back to the bus.
Our bus then traveled through the country, showcasing beautiful rocky facades, sandy terrains, and at one point water. The sky was very clear again today, so we had amazing views from almost everywhere! We then unloaded our luggage into rooms before quickly going and grabbing some lunch. There was a full restaurant available, however we decided with the quanity and quality of food we've been eating that we should probably only go for some snacks. Two of our group were adventurous and tried authentic Mansaf. After lunch we all walked to the entrance for Petra. If I could add audio to this page, it would be of Indiana Jones, since part of Last Crusade was filed there! This Nabataean city was carved directly into the rose-red walls. Although no one is exactly sure, this Nabataen city was thought to have been built as early as ~312 BC, but wasn't discovered by others until 1812 by Swiss explorer Johann Burckhardt. It wasn't until 1985 that it was named a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Fun Fact: In 1845, John Burgon wrote a poem entitled "Petra", which won the Newdigate Prize: It seems no work of Man's creative hand, by labour wrought as wavering fancy planned; But from the rock as if by magic grown, eternal, silent, beautiful, alone! Not virgin-white like that old Doric shrine, where erst Athena held her rites divine; Not saintly-grey, like many a minster fane, that crowns the hill and consecrate the plain; But rose-red as if the blush of dawn, that first beheld them were not withdrawn; The hues of youth upon a brow of woe, which Man deemed old two thousadny years ago, Match me such marvel save in Eastern clime, a rose-read city half as old as time. As we walked along the path, Rain pointed out several relics and carvings along the way. At the end of the trail, we were able to see a sliver glance of Petra's most famous facade (Al Khazneh) through the rocky walls. We were able to go all the way up to the base of Al Khazneh and take pictures, but no one is allowed in. Unlike in Indiana Jones, Al Khazneh does not have an intricate inside; it was originally thought to have been built as a mausoleum and crypt. It was an interesting experience being surrounded by some of the most beautiful (large) archaic hand carved pieces of art, juxtaposed against people in modern clothing and persons trying to sell you everything from carriage rides to a plethora of tourist paraphernalia. Still, it is a breathtaking piece of architecture. It is incredible to think that someone could have created this by hand nearly 2,000 years ago! After Rain's history lesson on Petra, the group was allowed to part ways under the condition that we had to be at the hotel at 7:30 sharp for dinner. Almost everyone went back up to the hotel to freshen up or sleep. A few of us stayed a little longer to meander, poke around, and to drop by the shops at the end to find unique gifts for friends and family. It was getting dark by the time we ere exiting the official area of Petra, but the sun setting over the rugged canyon walls was astounding. Back at the hotel we all met up at 7:30 to grab dinner together. We again tried an authentic buffet, which provided us with lots of options of what to eat. In particular, there were delightful TINY dessert dishes of all different kinds. One word: delicious. With the remnants of jet lag paired with lots of walking, most of us looked better than yesterday but still semi-zombie-ish. Tomorrow's adventure will again include visiting sights in Petra, but from a new angle and direction! P.S. We're all safe, sound, and being fed well so no worries!
1 Comment
Ashley
7/8/2018 06:18:52 pm
I’m very glad your not a zombie!
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AuthorTeacher by year, traveler by summer. ArchivesCategories |