Monday, July 20, 2009

Jordan

From the south of Israel, I crossed the border into the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan. This border is both a physical and a cultural one. As soon as you pass the mountains that divide these countries, you are clearly entering the Arabic world. Birka-ed women appear on the streets and men wearing head coverings are prominent. The landscape changes to a dry desert view and the heat in undeniable. The other change is in attitude. People in Jordan are renowned for their hospitality and live up to this expectation. Everyone bends over backwards for you and you will be sure to be offered tea by anyone you have a one minute or longerconversation. I arrived here with my traveling mate Kerrin, who I met in Eilat, Israel. Together we rode a taxi straight to the top site in Jordan, Petra.

My first view of the deserts of Jordan.

Travelers make their way through the Siq. A long chasm that is lined with magnificent orange rock, carved by wind and time.

You then arrive at the stunning Treasury, a monument built out of the rock face itself that is both staggering in its size and detail.

Pilgrims travel here as it is both a part of the Middle East's herritage and a holy place.

Further exploring yields other impressive sights such as the monastery, another building made from the rock of Petra.A detail shot of the red/ orange rock that makes up the walls and hills of Petra.

A bedouin child looks out of a cave at the broken down amphitheater.

The sun sets over the surrounding village of Wadi Musa as I prepare once again to get on the road.