Hello from Petra!

The Plowmans Plough the Rough Rock

Wednesday, June 15, 2011
by Missy Barasch

I am writing to you from our tour bus after 5 strenuous, but totally amazing hours touring this ancient site in southern Jordan.  Petra, which means rock, is literally a city carved entirely out of rock - in this case, sandstone - by the ancient Nabataean people more than 2200 years ago. Their intent was to control the passage of caravans on the Silk Road trade route so that they could collect taxes. It worked very well, and they kept their treasures under close guard here.

When our tour arrived this morning, Sami, our Jordanian Guide, was very informative about this brilliant tribe and their inventive ways to collect water and keep it flowing to all the structures.  We strolled along Petra's narrow passageways with rose-colored sandstone soaring 250 feet above us on each side and bright blue sky overhead. It gave me the feeling that I was walking through a mountain made of rock right after an earthquake had split it in two. At various points in the 5-mile walk, Sami would point out carvings in the walls - mostly niches with reliefs of the gods of the Nabataeans. After a mile, we emerged into the
sun-drenched heart of Petra and it's most famous structure, the Treasury. Carved in the first century BC as a tomb for an ancient king, and then used as a temple, it's facade is stunning in its architectural beauty. And we all remembered the Indiana Jones movie filmed on location here. You could never build a set this unique!

We stopped for some mint tea and then toured the only Roman-style amphitheater carved entirely out of rock.  Then we split into groups with some of us touring the tombs and architectural digs going on now, others venturing up huge stone stairways to other structures and museums, and the very brave hiking to the ancient Monastery - 800 steps to
the top.

My group then had a delightful lunch (the Jordanian cucumbers are so flavorful!) and we started to head back. The sun was much higher now, and the pathway inclines in this direction, so we hired a carriage for two pulled by a horse. The best 10 dinars we ever spent!

And now, on to Amman - the capital city  -- and the choir's first concert!

Cal tries to make a friend.

Marty succeeds!

Peek-a-boo!

Bill and Fran take a brief hiking break.