Entrances are usually instantaneous. You step up and you step in. But not the Siq. The Siq is the main entrance to the ancient city of Petra, and it is a corridor in the rock, a mile long and in some places not 10 feet wide. Geologically, it is a tectonic fault. This mile-long stroll is an exquisite deferred gratification, especially when you’re excited about visiting Petra.
Enjoy the walk – the golds, reds and browns of the canyon rock, the shallow ledges that hold sacred stones, the plants that eke out life from the stone, and simply watching other visitors.
If you are lazy or you just fancy a ride, you can hire a horse-drawn carriage for a handsome sum in Jordanian terms. Or you can negotiate a horse ride on one of their beasts with flaring nostrils. You’ll get to The Treasury quicker (and bumpier), but your journey won’t be nearly as rich. I reckon, better to do the carriage in the evening, when you’ve finished your long day at Petra.
~ Spotted Cow
These pictures are beautiful. Petra is high on my husband’s list of places he wants to see.
Thank you. In the age of movies, tv and internet, we’re not usually properly amazed by things and places anymore. But Petra was one of those places which had me gawking. Also, Andrea of Middle East Moments – http://middleeastmoments.wordpress.com – writes a lovely blog about life in Jordan as an expat.