Another tented cafe and shop . . . |
. . . but the outlook is fantastic |
Emerging into a large clearing, we sat down at a cafe for more herbal
tea (or thick Turkish coffee) and a sweet biscuit - typical refreshments in Jordan. Outside the cafe was
a 'taxi rank' of many camels. Wherever we went in Petra, young boys would
come up and offer "air conditioned taxi" - a donkey - but our
guide ushered then away.
Our guide, Murat, at the amphitheatre |
The most extraordinary place for a loo - in a cave |
After refreshments we progressed to an amphitheatre mostly carved out
of the rock. This originally seated 8,500 people but was far less well
preserved than the ones we had seen elsewhere in Jordan, but still spectacular.
Next, a stop at stalls selling all types of souvenir from rugs to knives,
books to jewelry, whilst some of us used possibly the most unusually located
toilet in the world (see picture above).
 |
Above: Bedouin tents
Left: Another massive edifice (note the size
of the people) |
Walking downhill past many more amazing facades we could see how it could
take several days to explore this large site. Every now and then we would
pass Bedouin tents perched on the hills, presumably housing the many Bedouin
souvenir sellers to be seen all over Petra. Eventually we came to a Roman
street with collonades and paving stones and sat down for a sip of water
and a brief from our guide.
A downhill walk towards the restaurant (in the
centre of the photo) |
Rest stop amongst Roman ruins |
By now a whole morning has passed and we were pleased to see the modern
Basin Restaurant which was located at the lowest part of the site. The
usual Jordanian buffet was available - meats in sauces, rice, various
tasty breads, flavoured vegetables - as well as a kebab stand. Although
there was room inside the restaurant, we sat outside under cover. After
an excellent meal we had the most of the afternoon to explore Petra unescorted.
|
Jordan 
