Middle East Day 2

Woke up around 1130am. Whoops. But we were tired. Matt was ready first so he set out to find us breakfast and lunch to bring with into Petra, and some waters. I met him about 20 minutes later at a small shawarma shop where they were making the tortilla to go with our chicken kabob breakfast. At lunch and got dinner for 15JOD (~20$). Then we set out for Petra. 150$ for the two of us to enter. (Woulda been 200 but we were staying overnight in the town). And started to hike the long 45 minute walk weaving through the ancient riverbed to the Siq (Iconic Petra photo). Meanwhile we had to mind the horse carriages bringing those unable to walk.

The siq was filled with tourists and young kids trying to sell postcards and small crafts. Then we continued onwards for about 10 minutes to a bigger opening. The royal tombs were high in the mountains on the right. And there were dwellings on the left. Walked towards the start of the montestary path and had an ice cold Coca Cola light. A donkey owner then explained what was so cool at the end of the path— gorgeous views, tents with things for sale, less people. And for a good price you could take his donkey up the 980 steps in 20 minutes instead of walking for 1hour. Knowing matt doesn't like to ride animals due to discomfort we opted to hike. Wowza. Atleast we were not at 13000 feet like Wayne Picchu. There were cats, and many tents to buy things along the way. We took a few stops to catch our breath and were passed by a few donkeys with riders. But we were to the Montestary in 40 minutes. Way better than riding a donkey. We took our pictures (and there were few people there which was nice) and hiked up one of the three identified local hills entitled "best view". We got a pretty incredible view from up top and then resorted down to enjoy our shawarma for lunch. And cold fries. Then we decided to head down. We stopped at the church and had a look around which included original mosaic floors and then hiked up to the royal tombs. We watched sunset there and then about 6pm we started the hour hike out of Petra. But not without stopping for a sunset lighting picture infront of the siq with very few people in the background. As we were walking out, the crews with dropping and lighting candlelight bags for the evening tour. We spent about 5 hours there which was a perfect amount of time. We then stopped at "my mommas recipe" for some great jordanian food before grabbing a pint at the Irish pub and calling it a night. Next day we stop at the Dead Sea en route back to Amman to catch our flight hopefully to Cairo.