Life, Love, Travel & the Pursuit of Being Alive: Part: Part Two (Petra, Jordan + Logistics/Final Thoughts)
Petra is one of those places that either elicits a blank stare or complete excitement when I tell people I want to come here. So I learned from my young cousin to explain to the former in this way: Have you ever seen Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade? Well, Petra is the real place that houses the building where the holy grail is found in that movie. So yeah Indy and I go way back and I am excited to follow his footsteps to the Lost City of Petra!
I’m an early riser in general but I’ve learned that it really pays off to get to really popular places first thing in the morning. Many times I’ll be the only person there and this was almost true for Petra with only a handful of people present. BR The sun is starting to rise as I am midway through my walk from the entrance into Petra. Note: You will be offered “free horse ride” and then told that the tip is 18 Jordanian Dinars or over $25 USD for a 5-10 minute ride. This is no faster than walking and the walk is beautiful and easy. TL: The Nabataeans were the ancient Arabs that built Petra (their capital city) and one of the first buildings you will see is Bab al Siq: Arabic for entrance to the Siq. TR: The Siq ~ it’s this long, winding canyon made up of colorful sandstone that’s 80 M high in certain places and 3-12 M in width that is stunning in its own right. Here you will have your first glimpse of Petra and the Treasury. BL: It doesn’t matter how much you have seen or read about Petra, nothing can prepare you for seeing it in person. There’s a reason why it’s Jordan’s most popular tourist destination and one of the 7 New Wonders of the World. This is the jaw dropping facade of the Treasury. 
The vast majority of people will head now to the Street of Facades but if you’re in good health, have a good sense of direction, want to see all of Petra, I would suggest you take the less popular route. When you are looking directly at the Treasury, MR there are stairs to your left and will lead you to TR the high place of sacrifice. It’s a large cult area that offers some stunning views (TL, BL) with a sense of tranquility since you will likely be the only one there. I only encounter the local Wadi Musa people heading to open their shops and BR had one man point out the cairns to me. He was worried that I would get lost but I assured him that that I was fine as I can read a map and have a really good sense of direction. It would be more accurate to say I felt at home ~ hiking surrounded by red colored rocks.
Some of the locations that you will see going this markedly less popular route include The Colored Triclinium, The Soldier Tomb and The Renaissance Tomb. Note: You should come prepared with sunscreen and lots of water! I carried in 4 liters of water and still ended up buying another two on this day with the soaring temps and the arid environment. I also packed a lot of snacks and lunch.
You will notice how crowded TL the Streets of Facades and BL the Theater are! It is absolutely fascinating to me how an ancient civilization could create such large monuments as the people in the picture help provide some scale. These buildings were literally carved in the sandstone cliff faces! An impulsive decision to come to Jordan because I wanted to see Petra and well it was meant to be as TR this sign suggest. I love also how we are still learning so much more about Petra ~ I read on National Geographic that only 15% of it has been explored and in early summer 2016 it was published that a massive new monument was discovered using drones and satellites.
The Monastery is the largest carved monument in Petra and to see it requires walking more than 800 steps. You can hire a camel and was told it would cut the time in half to reach the top. I prefer walking and it took me a little over 30 minutes but I’m also a really fast hiker. I decided to continue hiking up as was rewarded with this view looking down at the monument.
SOME LOGISTICS/QUESTIONS ANSWERED:
I’m going to let you in on a “secret” since no other traveler I met had heard of this: the Jordan Pass. Just buy it prior to arrival and stay three nights and your tourist entry visa fees are waived. And it pays for access to over 40 attractions including many that I wrote about so if can save you a lot of money! I’ll even make it super easy for you with the link
I had purchased the Jordan pass allowing me access to Petra for two days as I wanted to explore the entire area. I’m pretty fit so it would have been manageable to see everything in one day starting at 6:00 and ending at 18:00 but that would have left little time to enjoy and explore in depth. I was in Petra the first day from open to close and the second day from 7:00 to about 13:30 and managed my time and routes so I could enjoy most of it crowd free. For example, the second day I headed straight to the Royal Tombs off the Streets of Facades and was the only one there.
Petra at Night: Not my finest moment with my now infamous lack of planning ~ I came on a Friday night to Petra and this only happens on Monday, Wednesday and Thursday at 20:30 and does require a separate ticket (17 JD). Basically it’s the walk up to the Treasury lit up with candles ~ I’ve heard mixed reviews myself but still something that I want to do on a return trip to Petra. I will pass on the advice that if you are going to do this that it’s best to do it prior to visiting Petra during the day.
Border crossing(s): If you’re interested in continuing onto Israel you have three choices. Down South you can cross from Aqaba into Eilat. I originally was going to go up North over the Jordan River Border and was able to book directly with Abraham Tours a transfer between Amman and Nazareth. I ended up missing the bus but it all works out as my friends decided to join me for a crossing the next day. So I ended up then crossing at Allenby/King Hussein Bridge which is the closest to both Jerusalem and Amman. My hostel (Jordan Tower Hotel) helped us book a taxi and I would suggest going as early as possible. We have heard that this is the toughest way to get into Israel in terms of border control but we actually had the most trouble on the Jordanian side. That border was closed and no one could tell us why and if/when it would reopen. This is when the privileges afforded to being a Westerner traveler became apparent as we were escorted to a special waiting area and were the first to cross when the border did reopen. Note: you will have to pay an exit tax of 10 JD and will leave your passport with the agents at the window and board a bus. Once the agents are finished processing the passports, they will bring them onboard and distribute. Additionally there is a 7.5 JD fee for the bus (plus additional 1.5 JD fee for each bag that is put under the bus) that takes you to the Israeli border.
FINAL THOUGHTS:
Many people have asked me about the safety aspect of traveling as a solo woman through Jordan and I struggle with how to answer this. I love Jordan and it is such a beautiful country with so many incredible things to see and do. I was aware that harassment would possibly be an issue but was advised that it would be verbal. I’ve experienced harassment in almost every country I have visited and at home (so 48 out of 50 countries) and I can definitively say that Jordan is not the worst. But in addition to verbal harassment, I was constantly touched and stroked and had a few disturbing things happen during my time there. HOWEVER I have met a fair number of solo female travelers that have been to Jordan and none experienced the physical harassment that I did so please take that into account. I do tend to have very unusual and extreme situations happen to me so that also may account for some of it. But the hardest part of Jordan for me was the almost complete lack of interaction with locals (both with men or women) and that was such a disappointment for me. I was able to make a few Jordanian friends one night in Wadi Rum and would love to come back and visit them ~ so yes, I would still go back to Jordan now.
Hi,
Nice & really an informative post you have shared here about Jordan. Really Jordan is a best & unique place in earth to visit & everyone have to make a trip to Jordan. Thanks to Mantis Tours that I have already returned from there. Every letter & every word which you placed here to describe Jordan bitterly is really true & I am the eyewitness of Jordan beauty. Your pics are so clear & I have also the same pic which I had clicked on my Jordan trip. Everyone will mesmerize after visiting that place.
Thanks for sharing this post.
Thank you! Yes Jordan is a really beautiful country and I’m happy that I was able to go
Thatt is very attention-grabbing, You’re a very skilled blogger.
I’ve joined your rss feed and sit up for lloking
for extra of your excellent post. Also, I
have shared youyr web site in my socioal networks
great place to visit, thank u for creat this article
Great blog right here! Additionally your website so much up very fast! What web host are you the use of? Can I am getting your associate hyperlink in your host? I desire my site loaded up as fast as yours lol
I?¦m not sure where you are getting your information, however good topic. I needs to spend some time studying more or understanding more. Thanks for great info I used to be searching for this info for my mission.
I was studying some of your posts on this website and I think this site is very instructive! Retain posting.
Hello! Do you know if they make any plugins to safeguard against hackers? I’m kinda paranoid about losing everything I’ve worked hard on. Any tips?
Really fantastic info can be found on website.
I am glad to be one of several visitors on this outstanding site (:, regards for putting up.
Yay google is my king assisted me to find this outstanding website ! .
Do you mind if I quote a couple of your articles as long as I provide credit and sources back to your webpage? My blog is in the exact same area of interest as yours and my users would truly benefit from some of the information you present here. Please let me know if this ok with you. Thanks a lot!
Some genuinely prime blog posts on this internet site, saved to fav.
I precisely desired to appreciate you again. I am not sure the things that I would have accomplished without those opinions provided by you regarding such concern. It actually was a real horrifying problem in my position, but being able to view the skilled way you handled it took me to cry with contentment. Now i’m happy for your assistance and then expect you really know what an amazing job that you’re putting in training people today by way of your web page. I know that you have never encountered any of us.
I have been exploring for a bit for any high quality articles or blog posts on this sort of house . Exploring in Yahoo I ultimately stumbled upon this site. Reading this info So i¦m glad to convey that I have a very good uncanny feeling I found out exactly what I needed. I so much no doubt will make certain to don¦t disregard this web site and provides it a look regularly.
I have recently started a blog, the information you offer on this website has helped me tremendously. Thank you for all of your time & work.
wonderful post, very informative. I wonder why the other specialists of this sector do not notice this. You should continue your writing. I am confident, you’ve a huge readers’ base already!
I have recently started a web site, the information you provide on this website has helped me greatly. Thanks for all of your time & work. “The more sand that has escaped from the hourglass of our life, the clearer we should see through it.” by Jean Paul.
Hey There. I found your blog using msn. This is an extremely well written article. I will be sure to bookmark it and come back to read more of your useful info. Thanks for the post. I will definitely comeback.
Please let me know if you’re looking for a writer for your weblog. You have some really great articles and I think I would be a good asset. If you ever want to take some of the load off, I’d absolutely love to write some material for your blog in exchange for a link back to mine. Please shoot me an e-mail if interested. Regards!
Aw, this was a really nice post. In concept I want to put in writing like this moreover – taking time and actual effort to make an excellent article… but what can I say… I procrastinate alot and in no way appear to get one thing done.
Thanks, I have recently been searching for info approximately this subject for ages and yours is the best I’ve found out so far. But, what concerning the bottom line? Are you certain in regards to the source?
My brother recommended I may like this web site. He used to be entirely right. This publish truly made my day. You can not consider just how so much time I had spent for this information! Thank you!
You got a very good website, Sword lily I observed it through yahoo.
It’s really a great and helpful piece of info. I’m glad that you shared this helpful information with us. Please keep us informed like this. Thanks for sharing.
I consider something really special in this internet site.
The other day, while I was at work, my sister stole my iPad and tested to see if it can survive a twenty five foot drop, just so she can be a youtube sensation. My iPad is now destroyed and she has 83 views. I know this is totally off topic but I had to share it with someone!
great post.Never knew this, thankyou for letting me know.
The heart of your writing while sounding agreeable initially, did not really settle well with me after some time. Somewhere within the paragraphs you were able to make me a believer but only for a very short while. I still have a problem with your jumps in assumptions and you might do well to fill in all those breaks. In the event that you actually can accomplish that, I would undoubtedly be fascinated.
Very interesting details you have observed, appreciate it for posting.
Outstanding post, you have pointed out some superb points, I likewise think this s a very good website.
Terrific work! This is the type of information that should be shared around the net. Shame on the search engines for not positioning this post higher! Come on over and visit my website . Thanks =)
Greetings! This is my first visit to your blog! We are a team of volunteers and starting a new initiative in a community in the same niche. Your blog provided us useful information to work on. You have done a marvellous job!
Definitely believe that which you stated. Your favorite reason appeared to be at the internet the easiest thing to take into accout of. I say to you, I definitely get annoyed even as other people consider issues that they plainly do not know about. You managed to hit the nail upon the highest as well as outlined out the entire thing with no need side-effects , people can take a signal. Will probably be again to get more. Thanks
I love the efforts you have put in this, thanks for all the great content.
There are some fascinating deadlines on this article but I don’t know if I see all of them middle to heart. There is some validity however I’ll take hold opinion until I look into it further. Good article , thanks and we wish extra! Added to FeedBurner as properly
Lovely just what I was searching for.Thanks to the author for taking his clock time on this one.
Definitely believe that which you said. Your favorite reason appeared to be on the internet the simplest thing to be aware of. I say to you, I definitely get annoyed while people consider worries that they plainly don’t know about. You managed to hit the nail upon the top and also defined out the whole thing without having side effect , people can take a signal. Will probably be back to get more. Thanks
Hey very cool blog!! Guy .. Beautiful .. Wonderful .. I will bookmark your site and take the feeds also…I’m satisfied to find numerous helpful information right here within the publish, we need work out extra strategies on this regard, thanks for sharing. . . . . .
hi!,I love your writing so a lot! share we keep up a correspondence more approximately your post on AOL? I require an expert on this space to unravel my problem. Maybe that’s you! Looking forward to peer you.
You are my aspiration, I own few blogs and rarely run out from post :). “No opera plot can be sensible, for people do not sing when they are feeling sensible.” by W. H. Auden.
I don’t unremarkably comment but I gotta admit thanks for the post on this great one : D.
I conceive other website owners should take this website as an model, very clean and great user pleasant design and style.
you’re truly a good webmaster. The site loading pace is incredible. It kind of feels that you’re doing any distinctive trick. In addition, The contents are masterpiece. you have performed a fantastic process in this matter!
Hello there, just become alert to your weblog through Google, and found that it is truly informative. I am gonna watch out for brussels. I’ll be grateful in case you proceed this in future. Lots of folks can be benefited from your writing. Cheers!
Hello there, I found your web site via Google while looking for a related topic, your web site came up, it looks good. I have bookmarked it in my google bookmarks.
An attention-grabbing dialogue is worth comment. I believe that you must write extra on this matter, it might not be a taboo subject but typically persons are not sufficient to talk on such topics. To the next. Cheers
Pretty! This was a really wonderful post. Thank you for your provided information.
Im no longer sure the place you are getting your info, but good topic. I needs to spend a while studying much more or working out more. Thanks for magnificent information I was searching for this info for my mission.
That is really attention-grabbing, You’re an excessively skilled blogger. I have joined your feed and sit up for searching for more of your great post. Additionally, I have shared your web site in my social networks!
Thank you, I’ve recently been searching for info about this subject for a long time and yours is the greatest I’ve came upon till now. But, what in regards to the conclusion? Are you sure concerning the supply?
Dead indited content material, Really enjoyed reading through.
Aw, this was a really nice post. In thought I wish to put in writing like this additionally – taking time and precise effort to make an excellent article… however what can I say… I procrastinate alot and on no account appear to get one thing done.