Day 2 - You Shall Not Pass

The Treasury at Petra

We got an early wake-up this morning courtesy of the Islamic call to prayer, or adhan.  4:00 am.  We had to get an early start today but that was a little over the top.

Today we traveled to the land of the Edomites.  Oh, and it also happens to contain the 2nd new wonder of the world, Petra.

The Edomites were descendants of Esau. Israel and Edom were constantly at odds, starting with Edom’s refusal to allow Moses and the Israelites passage through their land on their way to Canaan (Numbers 20:18-21).  You shall not pass, they said.  The line was later stolen by Gandalf the Grey in The Fellowship of The Ring.  Gandalf has no shame.

A rest stop on the way to Petra (requisite bus photo)

We left at 7:00 AM because Petra is a 3 hour drive south of Amman.  Our guide, Rami, did an excellent job talking about the history of The Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan and many interesting facts about its people, geography, and way of life.

Water is a precious commodity in Jordan.  In fact Rami said that he has running water twice per week in his house, sometimes three.  If you look closely at pictures of dwellings you can spot the water tanks on top for storage.  In fact, let me find one now.

Top of building with Wadi Musa in background

There.  In this photo you can see the water tank next to the satellite dish.  I took this out the bus window as we drove down into Wadi Musa, literally translated "Valley of Moses".  This town is next to Petra and would be a great place to stay if wanting to explore the area more fully.

We had 4 hours in Petra and it wasn't enough.  I think a full day would be barely adequate. Two days and it could be covered fairly well.

One can also see signs of the decline in tourism.  At its height our guide said that approximately 7,000 people per day visited Petra.  This period of high tourism occurred after Petra was declared one of the new 7 wonders of the world in 2007 and prior to the latest unrest in the Middle East which started in 2011.  Currently about 700-900 tourists per day visit Petra.  Our guide went on at length about how stable the country of Jordan is and how they are under English common law and not Sharia law.  In fact, Rami our guide is Catholic and he said that he has the same rights as any Jordanian, of which 96% are Muslim.

A mosque sighting

For the most part the scenery of Jordan between Amman and Petra was quite similar to the arid western states of America.  There were a few notable exceptions like camels, flocks of sheep and goats being tended by shepherds, and of course the very common mosque sightings.

On to Petra.

It was marvelous but I also felt bad for Kim.  Her foot was still recovering from all of the travel and Petra involved a ton of walking.  In fact, it was 1.2 miles to The Treasury, the most recognized facade at Petra thanks to Indiana Jones.  Nevertheless she soldiered on and made it all the way to the Theatre.  Inserting Theatre photo now.

The Theatre at Petra

Seating for up to 4,000 people carved out of the rock.  Really cool.

The highlight of the trip was probably our little devotional time in front of the Treasury.  Reggie spoke about the history of the Edomites and concluded by drawing parallels between the Israelites and us now both being wandering strangers.  Yes, a purposeful segue into the song "Wayfaring Strangers".

I am a poor wayfaring stranger

While traveling through this world of woe

There is no sickness toil or danger

In that bright world to which I go

I know dark clouds will gather o'er me

I know my way is rough and steep

But beautiful fields lie out before me

Where God’s redeemed their vigils keep

There was a video shot of Reggie and me doing this but the audio is pretty bad.  I'll have to work on it some other time.  It's late and I need to wrap up and go to bed.  Headed to Mt. Nebo and Medaba tomorrow along with crossing the Jordan River.  I"ll do a small photo dump at the bottom and sign off.  No time to tweak photos so no promises on quality.

The audio of Reggie speaking was too poor but the singing was fair so here it is:

Randy

p.s.  Did I mention that Kim and Teana, Reggie's wife, rode back up the canyon in a carriage?  You'll have to ask her about it.

Nemo?  Looks like a fish out of water

The highest point is Mt. Hor where Aaron was buried