Most visitors approach the deep Petra ruins through the Siq, a narrow gorge in the sandstone rocks. At the end of the passage stands Petra's most elaborate and known ruin, the Treasury. Instead, we decided to take "the Indiana Jones way," a tough climb over the mountain that you need to do with a guide. There's a scary sign at the beginning of that path, but the climb is made worthwhile by the beautiful mountain scenery. Dianny and I hiked and the kids traveled on horseback.
We split up so we could climb to the summit to see Petra from above and take in the view while the little adventurers and their horses rested. And finally, there it was, glowing in the sun, the Treasury. The detail of the facade is stunning.
Finally, here's a picture of our friendly and fearless guide, Mohammad, to whom we will be eternally grateful for showing us a side of Petra not many get to see.
Sometimes the climb down is harder, but we all made it safely.
People in Petra are extremely nice and friendly, so friendly in fact that if you start talking with them they will never let you go and will invite you to tea, a barbeque in the desert, or any other place where they can show off their hospitality. We had to buy a lamp from this nice lady, Hana, so she would let us leave. But all kidding aside, the people in Jordan are warm and friendly and we have felt very welcome everywhere.
On the way back we did take the Siq, the normal passage, which also offers some interesting scenery, such as a rock sculpted in the shape of a fish. Portions of the paved road built by the Nabataeans in the first century BC still exist.
The hotel we stayed in was excellent. It is right next door to the Visitor Center and despite being a Swiss chain has a genuine Arab flavor.
