Petra/ Dead Sea Part 3

 Petra was simply fascinating! The city has lived through so much history and is brimming with homes, tombs, a theatre, store fronts, and temples. You almost feel as if you have stepped back in time.  You walk through the narrow canyon walls and before you know it, you turn a corner and this is what you see.

The canyon was paved for modern day travelers, but 80% of Petra is still buried under hundreds of years of spring run offs.  Trees randomly sprout out of the stones and shade the path. If you look along the right side of the wall you can see the old waterway. They even had made their own piping and cement.

The Treasury is the jewel of Petra.  Little did we know that the Treasury is just the tip of the iceberg!

Camel ride any one?

This tomb was huge. It had at least 8 burial sites.

The buildings were all built from the top down. I was amazed at the beauty of the carved roses, figurines and columns. Just fantastic!

This looked like an "i" to me! : )

This is an example of the color pallet of the canyon walls.  Cool picture, I know!

After a scary donkey ride up a steep slope and narrow path, we made it to the monastery. This Monastery was much bigger than the treasury and if you could climb over the ledge you could walk in!

The ride to the top was very much worth the view! 

Go donkey's Go!!!

Petra at night.  Awesome! We sat in the glow of the candles and listened to a traditional string instrument and flute. It was magic!

The path was lit with hundreds of candles.  Romantic and creepy at the same time  . . .

Our hotel was right next to the entrance. One of the ancient rooms was turned into a favorite night spot!

This column of salt/rock is said to be Lot's wife who turned back to see Jerusalem.

The Dead sea is quite beautiful.  Large salt deposits line the shore.

You seriously float effortlessly! It's like sitting in a chair you can't feel! Sooo cool! We had fun watching the reactions of people going in for the first time.

Oh Yeah, free mud bath!!! Nothing better than the mineral rich mud of the Dead Sea!

 The day we left the Jordon airport, President Obama was arriving.  He made a visit to Jerusalem and Petra. In honor of his visit the airport had US and Jordon flags everywhere.

This was one trip we will never forget!!!