Petra

   We drove 3 hours south through moon like empty desert which stretched to the horizon in all directions . Almost nothing grew , just a very rare  tiny shrub here and there. Supprisingly , we saw occasional herds of sheep or goats tended by a Shepard, who was  always rapped up in full robes and turbins, protection from the blazing sun. The desert skies here are always cloudless, never even a wisp of one. Just before we arrived in Jordan, the desert got a rare soaking of rain. 

   Petra is considered one of the 7 wonders if the world. This hidden site can only be reached by foot ( or camel ) down a long narrow, deep canyon about 2 miles long . This canyon was a natural fortress for the early builders of this holy site 2500 years ago. The Assyrians were here early as were other groups and the later Romans expanded the site further. It is primarily a burial site for early kings and later for other royalties.

    After waking down the narrow canyon, we were awestruck as we emerged into the "Treasury", the first magnificent tomb carved out of the solid rock wall, it's several stories tall. Further down the canyon are numerous crypts again carved out of solid rock . Most are empty and tourists are free to wander in most.

    The Romans had their slaves carve a amphitheater out of a solid rock face, the labor involved unimaginable. The theater seats 4000. 

     Although there were tourists here, the numbers were low . The international media had succeeded in scaring everyone away. Jordan is a partner with the Western Powers in the fight against ISIS. This has enraged ISIS who has promised revenge. Petra in the premier tourist sight in Jordan so security was very tight. The machinegun carrying guards were everywhere and were clearly nervous. Karen and I stayed well away from any groups or crowds ( mainly German ) . I kept a wary eye out. I glad we had the opportunity to see this magnificent site, amazing !!

That's me

Roman theater 

ancient terraced hillside 

Raiders of the Lost arch filmed here