In preparation for my trip to Jordan and Israel, I eagerly watched Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade to relive Indiana Jones’ arrival into the archaeological site of Petra. As the scene approached where Harrison Ford appeared before the spectacular façade, I could hardly believe that soon I would be arriving in Petra in a couple of days to explore this ancient Nabatean site for myself.
The wake-up call came early, but I was buzzing with adrenaline as I jumped out of bed to prepare for this journey of a lifetime. Anticipating a long day ahead, our tour group met for breakfast where we ate a hearty meal of eggs, cold cuts, hot dogs (beef), falafel, vegetables and French fries with ketchup.
We met our local Jordanian guide and boarded our motor coach for the three and a half hour bus ride from Amman. I brought along my notes to read from a series of archaeological DVDs that I rented from the library, “The Holy Land Revealed”. A total of thirty-six lectures by world-renowned archaeologist, Jodi Magness from the University of North Carolina, I had learned so much from her in-depth review of some of the fabulous sites I would be visiting on our itinerary.
I was mesmerized by my surroundings on the road to Petra and shortly into our journey, the bus pulled into the local police station. Our guide explained that Jordanian law requires groups of ten or more in size to retain a police escort. In addition to safety, our guard would assist with any unforeseeable traffic issues as well as provide any services that may require additional security. It was here where we were met our friendly, handsome security guard, who would be travelling with us throughout Jordan.
Shortly thereafter, the bus made another stop, pulling into a store with a small café where we purchased snacks, washed up and shopped for souvenirs. We learned quickly that it is customary to pay a small fee to use the facilities, so we stashed away small coins for future stops. Loading up on chips and sodas, buying a few keffiyehs (Arabian head wraps), we set off for a couple more hours on the road until we reached the Rose City of Petra.
A small set of buildings with shops and restaurants was our stop for lunch outside of the archaeological site of Petra. We enjoyed a buffet style meal for $15 per person which included an amazing spread of food and a soft drink. Three tables of Middle Eastern cuisine and chicken cooked on the grill were prepared for our arrival. The Jordanians love vegetables, so we found them stuffed, sautéed, grilled and baked. They are known for their blend of spices called za’atar, which includes the key ingredient Sumac. We had an abundance of olives, chick peas, yogurt, falafel (chick peas rolled in a ball and fried), pickles, tabbouleh (a salad made of tomatoes, parsley, mint, bulgur, onion, olive oil and lemon juice) cole slaw and baba ghanoush (eggplant, tahini, olive oils and seasoning). The desserts included a wide selection of fruits, figs, baklava and halva, a peanut type paste which is absolutely delicious. The multi-colored selection was extravagant and gave us a wide range of options from which to choose.
My eyes were drawn to the twelve foot glass windows along the back wall of the restaurant that framed a spectacular landscape. Craggy mountains loomed in the distance towering over the valley of houses below. We learned that this is Mt. Hor, where Abraham had once lived. After lunch, we ventured out onto the balcony for a few photos when the afternoon Muslim prayer came over the speaker from a nearby mosque.
Soon we would be arriving into the ancient civilization of Petra where we would have a long trek ahead of us. With full stomachs and a burst of energy, we departed the little town to explore the legendary archaeological site of the Nabataeans to experience our own Indiana Jones adventure.
Have you visited Jordan? Which sites and restaurants did you see? I would be interested in learning more about your travels to Jordan if you would kindly leave a message in the comments section below. Many thanks for reading about my pilgrimage to the Middle East and wishing you many Happy Travels!
What to See and What to Do:
Petra
Petra, Jordan
- Admission Fee: The fee structure varies. For an accommodated visitor who stays at least one night in Jordan: one day = 50 Jordanian Dinar, two days = 55 Jordanian Dinar; three days = 60 Jordanian Dinar; Fees for an accommodated visitor who visits Petra in the first day after his/her arrival from the border = 50 Jordanian Dinar; For a non-accommodated visitor, the entrance fee is 90 Jordanian Dinar. Children under the age of 12 are free of charge.
- Hours: Open daily from 6 AM to 6 PM during the summer and from 6 AM to 4 PM in the winter.
- Amenities: Brochures are provided in Arabic, English, French, Spanish, German and Italian as well as maps. These items are available at the Visitor’s Center. Licensed Guides can be booked for those visitors who speak the following languages: Arabic, English, French Spanish, German, Russian and Greek. Petra Museum and Nabatean Museum, hiking, archaeological maps. Special event “Petra by Night” (8:30 – 10:30PM) for an additional cost.
- Scenic View: The gorgeous view of the Treasury at the end of the Siq; It will take a bit of hiking, but if make a right once you leave the Siq, you will find a set of stairs after passing a few cave like houses and then reach a set of stairs. Once you reach the top of the stairs, you will see an arrow that tells you to go to the left (photo with a little tent) or to the right you will have a much better view. However, be careful!! Do not stand out too close to the edge. Photos of Petra at Night are absolutely phenomenal!
- Length of Visit: For the highlights, you can expect to spend at least 3 to 4 hours here. If you can spend two days in Petra, you will be able to experience most of the park.
- Tips for Your Visit: Wear comfortable shoes for hiking. Obey the rules of the park (i.e., do not litter, do not stand on the monuments). Visit the website for more information. The best time to take photos is mid-morning and late afternoon. The archaeological site kindly asks visitors not to purchase any antiquities including rocks or coins. A valid passport or ID will be required to purchase your ticket. The ticket does not include the night event “Petra by Night”, which is an additional 17 Jordanian Dinar. The program last 2 hours and it runs every Monday, Wednesday and Thursday of each week. No advance reservations required as unlimited tickets are sold for this event. A valid daylight ticket is required.
Where to Stay:
The Regency Palace Hotel Amman
Queen Alya Street
Sport City Road
Amman, 11110, Jordan
Telephone: +962 6 560 7000
Where to Eat:
Petra Magic Restaurant
Touristic Boulevard, Petra
Wadi Musa 86, Jordan
Telephone: +962 3 215 7500
What to Eat:
- Falafel are crisp balls made of chickpeas and is a staple street food of Jordan.
- Fattet Hummus is a chickpea based spread which also includes pieces of pita bread, tahini, pine nuts and topped with a generous portion of olive oil.
- Kunafa was one of my favorite desserts from Jordan made of a pastry and stuffed with cheese and syrup.
- Mansaf is Jordan’s national dish. This aromatic meal is served family style and layered beginning with a thin flatbread, rice, meat (camel or goat) then garnished with toasted nuts and yogurt.
- Maqluba was served at our Jordanian local dinner with a Christian family. Our host brought a large pan filled with chicken, rice, potatoes and vegetables and turned the pan upside down on a large plate. One of the tasty spices in this dish is sumac, so I purchased several bags of this spice to bring home.
- Shawarma is a pita bread filled with lamb, chicken or beef.
- Zaarb is traditionally cooked over a campfire. A stew-like meal made of beef and vegetables, it is traditionally cooked in a pit.
What to Read:
- Married to a Bedouin, Marguerite van Geldermalsen
- Leap of Faith, by Queen Noor
- Appointment with Death, by Agatha Christie
- Pillars of Salt, by Fadia Faqir
- The Tower, by Allesandro Gallenzi
- Seven Pillars of Wisdom, by T.E. Lawrence
Photo Guide for Petra:
- The Siq (walkway that reaches the Rose City) to include the chariot shot as well as the crack
- The Treasury as you enter from the Siq and from above by taking a path leading up to the perfect viewpoint
- The Royal Tombs’ Urn Tomb