Doing things for the first time in one’s life are exciting and sometimes exhilarating. This Easter was the first time I had ever been in this one of the UNESCO’s World Heritage Sites. Since 1985 UNESCO has described Petra as “one of the most precious cultural properties of man’s cultural heritage.” Petra is a historic and archaeological city in southern Jordan famous for its rock-cut architecture and water conduit system. Access to the city is through a famously picturesque 3⁄4 mile gorge called the Siq, which leads directly to the Al-Khazneh. known as the Treasury (pictured). Because of the recent crisis in the Gaza Strip in Israel the crowds are greatly diminished. They say it has affected tourism 70 to 80 percent since October 7, 2023. But, after much research we decided to go. We felt safe the whole trip. WOW! Exhilarating!!!
I had initially planned this trip to the Far East in October 2020. We know what 2020 and the pandemic produced for travel – cancelations. Oh, and a struggle for survival and the writing on my first book – A Leap Year of Firsts. This replanned trip, years later, has started with a walk into a cavern of history – on Easter no less.