Expectations were high as we woke this morning. After a delicious breakfast we got back on the bus for our short drive to the Petra Visitor’s Centre and Rabi gave us the options – walking all the way; a horse ride to the Siq or a buggy ride through the Siq. Different people chose different options, but for us, we had to do the horse ride to the Siq and then walk through it to see the Treasury at the other end. What an amazing experience. Geological awesomeness is probably the only words that would do.

The Siq is the ancient route which then gifts the walker with the magnificent sight of the Treasury at its end. We were greeted with camels, merchants and beggars, but, oh the sight. It is truly inspiring to see the skill of the ancients right before our eyes.

The rest of the city of Petra was also amazing as we journeyed through the Street of Facades, the Theatre, the colonnaded street, the Great Temple, the Church and the Royal Tombs.

Petra is more than 2,000 years old and began to prosper as the capital of the Nabataean Empire from the 1st Century BC through trade in frankincense, myrrh and spices. It was later annexed to the Roman Empire and continued to thrive until a large earthquake in 363AD destroyed much of the city. Eventually with a change in trade routes the city was abandoned, and it seems that by the 7th century is was lost to all except local Bedouin. In 1812 a Swiss explorer, Johannes Burckhardt set out to rediscover Petra, dressed up as a bedouin he convinced his guide to take him to the lost city. Since that time Petra has become increasingly known throughout the world as a fascinating and beautiful ancient city.

It is now listed as a world heritage site and one of the new seven Wonders of the World.

We were all stunned by its beauty today, and have been blessed in so many ways. Not least of which has been the weather. We were all anticipating and expecting it to be beyond hot, but we doubt that it would have reached 35c and there was the occasional breeze to counter the desert heat off the rocks and sand. Yes, it was hot, but the landscape and views were well worth it. Rabi our guide has said that it was very unusual as August is normally their hottest month, and it would not have been unusual for it to have been in the high 40s. We have been so thankful to God for this reprieve so we could enjoy it all the more.

Can’t believe that tomorrow we leave Jordan and cross the border into Israel. It will be sad to say farewell to Rabi, our guide here, who has been so great.