Europe/Bangkok: Consider a Stopover to See Petra

[PeterRS]

For many flying between Europe and Bangkok increasingly a plane change in Dubai, Doha, Abu Dhabi or now even Oman is necessary. Even though many are keen only to get to their final destination, the possibity for short stopovers is increasingly possible, the more so when some of the wonders of the world are on your doorstep. Some time ago, I wrote a series of articles on an amazing two weeks in Iran, an extraordinariy beautiful country with lovely people. While I would not consider that now in the present political climate, there is another short stopover to one of the unique sights of our world that amazed me. I took the One World airline Royal Jordanian from Bangkok to Amman where I had booked a 3-day stopover specifically for this fabulous site.

Petra, "The Rose Red City Half as Old as Time", is one of the New 7 Wonders of the World. Although Petra appears in the Old Testament, the city we know today was founded by the Nabateans, nomads, highly skilled stone masons and whose mastery of water resources enabled the city to thrive as one of the old Silk Roads. By the 1st century AD it was a thriving city, but soon integrated into the Roman Empire. As trade routes from Asia moved more seawards, the city all but vanished into obscurity. The lost city was eventually rediscovered by a Swiss disguised as an Arab trader in 1812. Pre-covd it was hosting as many as 1 million visitors a year.

Amman to Petra is about 230 kms. My driver/guide was waiting at the airport and pointed out sights on the way, including an old Crusader castle which we visited. I had chosen to stay at a hotel right by the entrance to the site. I was aware that to get there you have to descend around 2 kms. I was much more worried about the climb back up when after a full day sighseeing I knew I would be exhausted.

To access the city itself you have to enter the Siq, a split in the rock no more than 3 meters wide

You then wander down for 1 .2 km into this cleft with the rock on each side growing larger and larger

Eventually you come to the extraordinary carving of the Elephant Rock

At one point my guide played a trick on me. He asked me to turn and look at a point near the top of a rock. It was merely a ruse, for when I turned back we we turned a short corner, this is what I saw

Within moments the full glory of The Treasury carved out of solid rock was before me.

This then is the real start of the journey. As you wander right, you pass a number of buildings, including the remains of a Roman amphitheatre

Then a host of caves which were the burial spots for prominent Nabataens 

Other examples of Roman architcture remain 

But it is the tombs of the Nabatean royalty that are most magnificent. This was that of the King

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Others in the same area are almost as magnificent

Guards unobtrusively watch over the city during opening hours

Almost most magnificent of all are the colours embedded in the stone

After climbing all the way back to the hotel, never has a large glass of cold beer tasted so wonderful!

The following day, the guide took us past the Dead Sea (I decided not to take a dip) and then up to Mount Nibo, the mountain which Moses is alleged to have climbed to be nearer to his God as he was dying. Laid out before us in the mist were many well-known cities and landmarks.

My trip ended with a tour around some of the sights of Amman, including its still functioning Roman amphitheatre where concerts regularly take place. 

The three day trip was worth every Baht. I loved it. Next on my list for a Middle East stopover will be Oman which a friend who worked there most of his life tells me is stunningly beautiful. Besides, he told me, there are two sisters who make the most delicious chocolate in the world!

[tm_nyc]

Great photos!  Thank you for posting.

[travguy]

10+ years ago I went by bus to Eilat then walked through the border at Aquaba, having met 2 Ozzie women who drove me up to Petra via a car hire. Stayed in a Bedouin camp. Quite chilly overnight. Wonderful hospitality. Petra was amazing. You saw more in Amman than I did. Crossed back via Allenby Bridge to Israel. Delightful trip.  👍

[PeterRS]

1 hour ago, travguy said:

You saw more in Amman than I did. Crossed back via Allenby Bridge to Israel. Delightful trip.  👍

I was only in Amman for less than 24 hours, but my driver/guide was great and took me to several of the main sights. But the traffic was horrendous! I wish I had had a little more time to visit Wadi Rum.

[JV_travel]

this is such a good tip, thank you

[Alexme]

Petra is very nice but the highlight of my trip to Jordan was Wadi Rum. Amman was a bit disappointing. 

[Keithambrose]

4 hours ago, Alexme said:

Petra is very nice but the highlight of my trip to Jordan was Wadi Rum. Amman was a bit disappointing. 

Did you not go to the Roman city of Jerash?

[PeterRS]

13 hours ago, Keithambrose said:

Did you not go to the Roman city of Jerash?

I realise the question is not to me, but I would definitely have loved to visit. The problem is that on a 3 night stopover, you have to make choices. Petra is 233 kms to the south of Amman and Wadi Rum (which I did not visit) even further. If you are also taking in the Dead Sea, Mt. Nebo and Amman itself, you have virtually no time left. Although Jerash is only about 30 kms north of Amman, to do it justice you would need at least a full half day if not longer. That's the only reason I omitted it. Next time I'll definitely add it.