Syrie - Jordanie 2001

August 8, 2001 – Petra

Today is a soft day on the site. After a breakfast at the hotel, I walk slowly towards the Khazneh. I decide to follow the advice of the French this morning by going upstairs to have an overlooking view on the Khazneh. So I take the stairs just after the last royal tomb to reach the top of the djebel Al Khubta. The itinerary is very easy, there are only steps and from the top, you have a wonderful view on the site and especially on the theater and a little further on the Khazneh. I seat under a tree and I quietly observe the monument and the tourists who discover the site for the first time like me 2 days ago. It is a very peaceful atmosphere.

Petra : The theater from the top

Petra : Another view on the Khazneh

In the early afternoon, I visit the royal tombs that have really suffered from the torments of the time (wind, rain…). The insides are full of colors mixing red, ocher, yellow…

Then I visit the remains of the Byzantine church. We can see wonderful mosaics from the 5^th century on the ground. On the left from the entrance, there are medallions symbolizing the 4 seasons and animals. These mosaics make me remember the ones in Madaba or Mount Nebo.

Petra : Byzantine church

I would like to go to the museums on the site but they are closed today, I meet 2 little girls who are selling stones to tourists. I use the few Arabic words that I know, one of them speaks a good French for her age. As everyday, I meet the same 70 year old Jordan who tries to sell me some stones and antic coins….

From the low city, I slowly walk towards the Khazneh where I see Antoon, the Swedish guy, who tried the Djebel Harun but on a donkey (7 JD). At the entrance of the Siq we meet some familiar faces: those of Arnaud, Fabrice and Guillaume who were with us in Dana. They start the visit of Petra at 6pm, why not?

I come back to the hotel where I find 4 French who were in Dana for our last night there.

After a last buffet at the hotel, I pay my dues and I meet 2 other French, Aurelien and Lydia (French are everywhere this summer!!!) who also go to Wadi Rum tomorrow to spend a night under the stars. So we decide to stay together for tomorrow hoping to find 3 other persons to make a group and rent a a jeep for the tour.

I sleep early tonight, the film is not interesting and I have to wake up at 6am.