Chelsea and Rusty and the Last Crusade

Hidden in the Jordanian desert and unknown to much of the world for ages, the fabled rose red city of Petra drew us to it in the spirit of exploration and discovery, as it has done for many a traveler. The ancient rock hewn city nestled in desert slot canyons remains marked in the hearts of most people from the film Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade where Indy battled evil Nazis in search of the Holy Grail. Without trying to pretend that this film was not only our introduction to Petra but also the primary impetus for visiting there, I will say that (although we did not find the holy grail there) we did find Petra to truly be one of the great wonders of the world.

The immensity of the entire city of Petra is magnificent. The city itself was built and flourished as an Arab trade hub, along a route that stretched from Damascus to the Arabian Peninsula. The colossal ruins stand in monumental memory of an exceptionally industrious, prosperous, and cultured people. Although the city’s origins and works hold little mystery, one can’t help but muse at the beauty and majesty that this city once had, with an intricate system of roadways, advanced waterworks, and breathtaking architecture. We savored every moment in Petra exploring the ruins as if each giant doorway held behind it some holy grail for us.

Rusty taking a picture from one of the many cliffs overlooking the city 

Inside one of the tombs, these graves were recently found, they dug up the bones and moved them elsewhere.

The rocks were so beautiful here, it looked as if and artist went around and painted lines on the rocks, but it is all natural. It was amazing.

There are still Bedouin families that live in Petra. Here we have captured a boy doing his daily chore of gathering the sheep to lead them to water or food.

Me and the neatly ‘painted’ rocks. It is amazing to me that it is natural.

900 steps later we arrived at this is a monastery, I just have to say: it was so worth it.

Resting after the 900 steps- Rusty looking like a local with his Arab scarf

The Treasury peeking around the corner. Every time I look at this picture I feel the excitement that I felt when we first saw the Treasury.

Me taking pictures of the beautiful scenery.

This is a tomb, it is incredible that they carved these places right out of the stone.

Walking through the Souq

These rocks are naturally spread apart like this

The Bedouin People would take people through the souq on carriage

The Treasury

I felt like Indiana Jones here

A Bedouin girl selling postcards, she should be in school....

Rusty was called a very bad man, from the owner of these camels- for not riding his donkey. It was hurtful but we laughed about it later- why should we feel bad for not riding the stupid donkey!

Descending the 900 steps

This little old Bedouin Lady was out in the middle of nowhere selling jewelry. She was pretty much blind and toothless. We bought some jewelry and she gave us a necklace for free! Sweet lady.

The rocks here were amazing-so many colors

A goat and the Monastery 

The Donkey's here were so sad looking, but make interesting photos

This is chelsea and Tays,he is from South Africa. We met him on the road to Jordan and tagged along with us

Another little girl selling postcards- she was a smart business woman and spoke English very well

Yep, that is me kissing my muscles after the 900 steps 

The sunsets here were quite breathtaking