Beautiful Petra

Petra is one of the new Seven Wonders of the World!  Rightfully so!

Petra, the ancient rose-red city of the Nebataens, Arabs who controlled the frankincense, trade routes of the region.  Petra was rediscovered in 1812, the neglected city, hidden deep in the rocky valleys of Wadi Musa (Moses' Valley) is the village that sprung up around Petra.

The sandstone city of Petra, has carved palaces, temples, tombs, storerooms and stables in the sandstone cliffs.

Obelisk Tomb - monument

The Siq - the ancient entrance to Petra.  A long, deep and narrow gorge of stunning natural beauty.

Entrance to the Siq with Henry's protection.

The narrow gorge through the Siq.

Treasury - the most impressive monument.  Just when you think you have seen all the dazzling sights in the Siq you come face-to-face with Al-Khazneh (The Treasury).  This monument serves as a tomb.

Our first glimps of the Treasury from the Siq.

The Treasury

Outer Siq - many tombs known as the street of Facades.

Donkeys ready to take you through the outer facade.

The Outer Facade

Camel ride anyone?

Beautiful colors on the tombs

Tombs

On our way to the Monastery 

Monastery - a flight of 800 stairs cut into the rock takes you up the mountain to a beautifully carved Ad-Deir (Monastery).  Tomb, temple or both, the Deir used to be an important pilgrimage site.

Starting up the over 800 steps to the Monastery.

Looking back

The Monastery 

4 out of the 18 made it up to the Monastery.

The view from the top