Petra

Petra was once the home to the Nabatean civilization, who carved the edifices out of stone and became weathy by imposing trade regulations around 200 BC. Among the ruins of their civilization is a giant tomb called “The Monestary”, another tomb called “The Treasury”, a massive temple influenced by Greek architecture, an amplitheatre large enough to seat 3000, and hundreds of smaller tombs carved out of the sides of surrounding cliffs.The most recognizable of the ruins at Petra is undoubtedly the Treasury. The building is the most detailed of those at Petra and it features Greek columns and incredible symmetry that collectively make it the most amazing sight in Jordan. The Treasury was built as a tomb for the Nabatean king Aretas III, but most people really don't know much about Aretas and don't care much about his legacy (I had to look up that bit of information in my guide book, I don't know a thing about Aretas either). The Treasury's real claim to fame is that it was the set for the final climactic scene of the movie, “Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade”.I sat around in Rum Village this morning waiting for a bus to Wadi Musa, the nearest town to Petra. As I sat I watched Arabic kids in a nearby dusty field moving camels around and situating them wherever was necessary. I wonder sometimes how many camels would be in Middle Eastern countries if not for tourists. I'm sure there would still be plenty because it's a part of the culture that has been around for hundreds of years, but a camel ride is always a good way to relieve a tourist of a few dollars and the locals in the Middle East are always sure to take advantage of that. Without a doubt the camel population has increased dramatically because of all the business that Western tourists drum up.After dumping off my stuff at a cheap hotel in Wadi Musa and taking a much needed shower, I finally was off to see the ruins of Petra. A long, narrow rock canyon called “The Siq” leads to the entrance to Petra. As I wandered through The Siq a few rays of light streamed inside from overhead, and when I finally reached the end the Treasury came into view ahead of me in all it's bright orange rocky glory. I've seen picutres of the Treasury more than a few times and of course I've seen it in the Indiana Jones movie, but there's always something about seeing a place in real life that is more exciting. I love visiting places for myself and forming my own impressions from the experiences that I have. I enjoy hearing about the impressions of others before I visit, but there's always something about visiting myself. From what I saw today I can verify that the exterior of the Treasury looks just like George Lucas shot it for Indiana Jones. The interior, however, is a different story. I think Mr. Lucas took a few creative liberties for that scene.Later in the afternoon I visited several of Petra's most famous sites, including the Urn Tomb, the Upper Temenos Temple, and the Monestary. Of those my favorite was easily the Monestary, which is even larger than the Treasury and almost as detailed. I spent the rest of the afternoon walking five miles back to the entrance of Petra, then another two miles back to my hotel. I always try to commit to not spend money frivolously while traveling, but I was so beat-up and exhausted after all the walking today that by the time I got back to my room I had downed two giant bottles of water that cost three times what they would have back in town, and I put down two massive ice cream cones that left my belly feeling heavy for an hour afterwards.Unfortunately I'll only have a few hours to see the rest of Petra tomorrow before I have to leave to catch my bus to Amman, but I'm still pretty satisfied with my visit. Petra is one of many places that I've wanted to see for years. It feels great to have finally experienced it.