Go to ABC7Chicago.com


abc7chicago.com blogs
Read more ABC7 blogs

Advertisement

- Chicago Traffic

« On The Road to Eilat | Main | On The Road to The Red Sea »

01/05/2012

On The Road to Petra

IMG_4218 

As I looked out the window from our hotel, the sun glistened over the Red Sea. It was a bright, beautiful morning - a perfect day to tour the ancient city of Petra in Jordan.  We had to get an early start, as crossing the border would be quite a process. 

IMG_4222 IMG_4221

We checked in at the main crossing gate and had to hand over our passports while Jordanian officials processed the paperwork that would allow us to visit their country.  Although we had been told of this proceedure in advance, it was still a bit unnerving to be without a passport!  After about an hour of waiting, our passports were returned and we were on the bus, driving through Jordan to the amazing city of Petra.  

IMG_4231
IMG_4224 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

We wind our way up the mountains, taking in the scenery.

IMG_4235

"Petra" is the Greek word for "rock."  The city of Petra is an archeological wonder, as all of the buildings are carved right into the rocks!  This ancient city is so amazing, it's one of the "New Seven Wonders of the World!"  Once we arrive, it's a short walk to the entrance. 

IMG_4240

IMG_4241

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

There is evidence that this area was inhabited as early as 1600 BCE; at it’s peak in the 1st century BCE, Petra's population was estimated at 45 to 50-thousand people.

  IMG_4251 IMG_4245

 

 

As we made our way down the narrow “canyon” we are struck by the brilliant colors in the rock formations. 

IMG_4255

 

 

 

 


IMG_4260

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

IMG_4267

IMG_4269

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

IMG_4264

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Our guide explained that many of these structures were mausoleums.  He showed us the original stones alone the path, as well as the extensive water canal system. 

IMG_4243

 

 

IMG_4257

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

When we came to the end of the canyon, the towering rocks appeared to separate, opening up to the magnificent structure known as "The Treasury.' If you're thinking, "I know I've seen this somewhere before..."  you probaly have - if you're an "Indiana Jones" fan.  It was used in "Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade" as the temple housing the holy grail! 

 

IMG_4271

IMG_4274

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

This incredible building, also believed to have been a mausoleum, took 20 years to build with 100 men working on it each day!  There are many influences in its style, including Egyptian, Persian, Babylonian, Mesopotamian, and Greek.  We continue on to the Necropolis - or “City of the Dead” which displays more mausoleums.

IMG_4280  IMG_4283

 

 

 

 

 

 

IMG_4284

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

IMG_4289 IMG_4290

At one point, a member of our group asked, if all these buildings were to house the dead, where did the living reside?!  We were told, they actually lived on the hills near Petra, but because these were free-standing homes (not carved in the rock) they were destroyed over time.

  IMG_4292

The grand Amphitheater was originally constructed in the 1st Century BCE for religious purposed, but when the Romans took over Petra in 106 CE they used it for entertainment purposes.  After learning about the history of the region, we had some free time to explore - I used this time creatively!!

  

By the time we walked back to the bus, we were pretty tuckered out! 

IMG_4316

We stopped for a fabulous lunch and were treated to another outstanding sunset over the Jordanian mountains.  

IMG_4325
Getting across the border back into Israel was fairly quick, compared to the morning experience.  One more day to go - tomorrow, we cruise the Red Sea!

IMG_4330


 

TrackBack

TrackBack URL for this entry:
https://www.typepad.com/services/trackback/6a010536b85cff970b0162ff147dcc970d

Listed below are links to weblogs that reference On The Road to Petra:

Comments

Roz, i have so enjoyed your pictures and blog. Since i know many on the trip it is like i with you all.

The comments to this entry are closed.