Petra - we're full of anticipation

On arriving at Petra we are already fidgety and excited about this visit. This lost city was discovered in 1812 after being abandoned some 1500 yrs earlier. Evidence suggests it may have been inhabited as much as 9000 yrs ago, but most of what is visible was built between about 400 BC and 300 AD. It was the capital city of the Nabateans around 350 BC and they were responsible for much of the architecture.
We arrive at the visitor centre with hundreds of other visitors and the atmosphere is expectant to say the least. Our guide supplies entry tax and off we set. He is very knowledgable with two related degrees in archeology and history. Along the way he points out the ancient structures carved into solid rock and explains their function. He can name the builder of each and even compares some to modern buildings (e.g. a McCamel joint! See pic 4).
Horses, golf carts and horse buggies are available for those wishing a less strenuous day, but we walk (eventually clocking up 11km on this day).Read more