After a seven hour hike in Petra, we were absolutely wiped out! We went back again on the same day for Petra by night, but I think you can skip that if you head over to Petra yourself.
Petra is absolutely enormous, as is the entry fee to get inside. You're lookin at 60 JD (=84.73 USD) and then a few JD for the bottles of water you'll need since you can't drink the water in Jordan (and a snickers and pringles, don't judge). You're accosted pretty much constantly by the gypsies living inside (turns out these aren't really Bedouins but immigrants from surrounding areas - creating a fair bit of friction between the real Bedouins and those who pretend to be inside). Words like "disgrace" and "dangerous" were thrown around in regards to those inside in case you were interested in a bit of Jordanian gossip. You'll be asked to ride a horse, a donkey, or even a camel if you wish, but just go ahead and say no to all of that. The animals are hugely mistreated and probably live pretty short lives unfortunately, so just don't support it if you come.
That being said, the walks are very doable (but quite strenuous if you go up to The Monastery - 800 steps) - but it's worth it. Make sure to take plenty of sun naps around noon and watch out for all the goods that folks try to sell you. It's all straight up manufactured in India and hawked for more than it's worth...but that's pretty much true of any site you visit.
Exploring Petra is absolutely astounding. Alex and I were mostly alone throughout the day and were free to explore anything and everything we wanted to. You feel like Indiana Jones as you walk in and out of caves, tombs, monasteries, and spaces for animal sacrifice, all of which make Petra a perfect place to marvel/feel like a kid again with your own amazing world to explore.
Check out some of my snaps from the last view days (and please don't make fun of my incredibly nerdy teal SPF shirt) and then remind yourself that these do absolutely no justice to what the place actually looks like. Headed in for day two of hiking now, so stay tuned for some more photos!!
Petra is absolutely enormous, as is the entry fee to get inside. You're lookin at 60 JD (=84.73 USD) and then a few JD for the bottles of water you'll need since you can't drink the water in Jordan (and a snickers and pringles, don't judge). You're accosted pretty much constantly by the gypsies living inside (turns out these aren't really Bedouins but immigrants from surrounding areas - creating a fair bit of friction between the real Bedouins and those who pretend to be inside). Words like "disgrace" and "dangerous" were thrown around in regards to those inside in case you were interested in a bit of Jordanian gossip. You'll be asked to ride a horse, a donkey, or even a camel if you wish, but just go ahead and say no to all of that. The animals are hugely mistreated and probably live pretty short lives unfortunately, so just don't support it if you come.
That being said, the walks are very doable (but quite strenuous if you go up to The Monastery - 800 steps) - but it's worth it. Make sure to take plenty of sun naps around noon and watch out for all the goods that folks try to sell you. It's all straight up manufactured in India and hawked for more than it's worth...but that's pretty much true of any site you visit.
Exploring Petra is absolutely astounding. Alex and I were mostly alone throughout the day and were free to explore anything and everything we wanted to. You feel like Indiana Jones as you walk in and out of caves, tombs, monasteries, and spaces for animal sacrifice, all of which make Petra a perfect place to marvel/feel like a kid again with your own amazing world to explore.
Check out some of my snaps from the last view days (and please don't make fun of my incredibly nerdy teal SPF shirt) and then remind yourself that these do absolutely no justice to what the place actually looks like. Headed in for day two of hiking now, so stay tuned for some more photos!!
I am insanely jealous. You have no idea. Okay... you probably have some idea. But Oh my gosh. These pictures are absolutely stunning.
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