Happy Thanksgiving!

Michelle’s thoughts:

First, we would like to say Happy Thanksgiving to everyone! We hope everyone is doing well!

Our adventure continues...

I believe the Petra visit was the highlight of our trip in Jordan. As we walked along the 1.3km Siq, the excitement built as we got closer to the famous Treasury. I could feel Craig’s excitement because sometimes I could hear him hum the Indiana Jone’s theme song and his level got louder and louder as we walked. The Siq is impressive as we walked through the canyon because at some points we felt we were being crowded in between two blocks. You must see the pictures.

The Treasury is incredible and breathtaking. We just stood there admiring the sculpted entrance that was carved out of a solid sandstone. The details highlight the craftsmanship of the people who built it. Another emotional moment.

Petra is a huge area. We did two days of seven hour hikes to see most of the area. We climbed up two steep and taxing mountains to see the High Place of Sacrifice and the Monastery. It took over an hour to climb the first site and almost two hours for the Monastery. There is the option of taking a donkey ride up for a high price, so most people climb up. At some points the path is so narrow and at the edge of a cliff, that there is a risk of falling off an unruly donkey. Also, there is the concern for the donkey's health and the way they are being treated, that we and most people decided not to ride on them.

With the relentless heat and sun and the unlevelled steps and footings, the climb wasn’t easy. We had many water breaks as we slowly hiked up. I really felt sorry for the older people who looked like they were going to pass-out. However, they held the determined look on their faces that they were going to do it on their own. I wanted to give them a reward for reaching the top. They were inspiring.

At the top of both mountains, they had wonderful views of the valley. Also, the Monastery is just as impressive as the Treasury. See our pictures. Both mountains were worth the climb. The hikes around Petra was very rewarding. I highly recommend others to visit this magical place.

Note, there are two enteries for Oct 11!

Love,
Michelle