Our Holy Land Trip took us from Israel to Jordan. Crossing the border was quite an undertaking. We had to depart from the Israeli bus to go through border security. It was no laughing matter. They do not play around and one wrong move and you are not allowed to proceed. Once admitted to the Jordanian side, we had to board a completely different bus and get a new tour guide. Both Jordanian. We don’t always like being a part of a tour group. But for this trip, I believe this made the tour crossing much easier than on our own. The tour guides knew the ropes and we followed.
After eating a lot of the SAME kinds of food for most of our trip, we were starting to get a little burned out on Fresh pita, Hummus, olives, grape leaves, Kabobs and rice. Can you believe I’m even saying that?! But it was true. We were just hoping for something a little different at this point. So it was a great surprise when we arrived at our Beautiful Marriott Petra! It had THE MOST BEAUTIFUL VIEWS! Our dinner was not a buffet but a traditional Bedouin feast with entertainment.
It was one of the most memorable experiences I think we have ever had on a trip!
THE ROSE RED CITY-TREASURY
The next morning, we headed out to the see the Treasury. One of new Seven Wonders of the World. There are no words to describe it and the pictures really don’t do it justice. It is entirely carved out of the surrounding red Sandstone. Though it wasn’t discovered until the 19th century, it was built back during the time of Jesus. It is a massive and impressive sight. Especially when you imagine the era it was carved and how hard it would have been to create during that age. It has over 800 carved tombs. The Treasury and The Sanctuary are the most famous highlights there. But if you want to see it all, you’d better add it to your list soon. Do you remember seeing the Treasury in the Indiana Jones, Last Crusade movie?
Ok, so not everything is ALL ROSY here…….though it is a breathtaking sight unfortunately, the treatment of the children and animals working here were not the best. Before we arrived my kids were all excited to ride a camel. When I saw the conditions I just could not do it. I still let them because this was a highlight they had been talking about before the trip but it was hard to stomach. I decided I would be the photographer and follow along so I could capture the ride for them. Well let’s just say Camels are FAST!! I about had a heat stroke running through the desert trying to catch up with them! So they got their picture and their memory on the camel but I do hope they never ask to do that again. Lastly, when there are camels there are flies. A LOT OF THEM!!!
*Travel Tips:
*Go with a tour group if you can. It makes the process of crossing the border way easier!
*Stay at the Marriott Petra…..they are not paying me to say this. Just my honest opinion. Just do it! You won’t regret it!
*Arrive Early if you want that Great shot! It gets crowded and it’s hard to capture that shot in front of the Treasury without others in it!
*Take Lots of Water!
*Prepare for flies! Yuck!
