9/30/2023 - Finally, Petra
Petra was built by the Nabataeans in the heart of the Shara Mountains more than 2,000 years ago. It prospered in the first centuries BC and AD. It connects ancient Mesopotamia and Egypt, a vital part of a major trading route. Today, intricate facades sculpted into the area's sandstone cliffs and other remarkably preserved structures and monuments of this fascinating civilization can still be seen.
Manna from heaven.The Petra Guest House doesn't skimp on the carbs.
A serious coffee grinder.
Our front outdoor terrace was just steps away from the Visitor Center, the first entry point to the ancient city of Petra.
Into the Cliffs.
The Nabataeans carved the Djinn Blocks (squared monuments) 
Barb, John, and Rich (above and below).
Barb, John, and Rich.
(Notice the sunlight increasing as we make our way to a unique destination, just starting to hide in the background,
There are no words.
Initially, I was peeved by these three guys 
We had to share the space in front of the Treasury with multiple camels, donkeys, and golf carts!
We continued on the Main Trail to the Theatre, carved into the mountainside at the foot of the High Place of Sacrifice. Three rows of seats are separated by passageways and seven stairways, with seating for 4,000 spectators.
Meanwhile, the boys were busy pranking one another, 
Just a few more stops before lunch, and then we try to conquer the 850+ steps to the Monastery (Ad Deir).
Entrance.
The Great Temple Complex represents one of central Petra's major archaeological and architectural monuments. 
We begin our ascent of 850+ steps, competing with donkeys, 
A congratulatory selfie.
The Best View?
The Siq is the narrow gorge leading visitors into Petra.
Three-quarters of a mile long, it resulted from a natural splitting of the mountain. A triumphal arch once spanned its entrance,
presenting a dramatic entryway into Petra.
John and Hisham head to The Treasury (Al Khazna).
and the Obelisk Tomb in the first century AD.
The four pyramids (nafesh) and a niche with a statue in bas-relief symbolize the five people buried there.
Below is the triclinium, a banquet hall.
(Notice the sunlight increasing as we make our way to a unique destination, just starting to hide in the background,
in the split between mountains.)
Barb, John, and Rich (above and below).
We're almost there!
The Treasury (Al Khazna) is Petra's most magnificent facade at 131 feet, intricately decorated with Corinthian capitals, friezes, and figures, and probably constructed in the first century BC.
for blocking the entry to the Treasury,
but I liked the diversity and
decided to keep them in the photo.
I realized I never checked out a camel's rear end and
haunches all those times I rode them.
These two look to be praying to Mecca on human-like hindquarters.
probably due to a lack of water and food.
It covered an area of almost 4.5 miles.
lots of tourists and bottles of water, sweating bullets, and ignoring vendors who shouldn't be there in the first place.
We're afraid to ask those descending how much further we have,
and then, the area miraculously opens, and there is the magnificent Monastery.
We need beer!
Eleven miles of hiking and climbing up and down 850+ steps!
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