A Night in the Arabian Desert and First Thoughts on Petra

We spent Australia Day (as we found out upon arriving at Sunset Camp, when a hopeful Australian, Jason, approached inquiring as to our nationalities) traveling through Wadi Rum in a 4x4. Leaving early from Aqaba, we arrived at the Gate (right next to the famous Seven Pillar's of Wisdom) to the Wadi Rum Protectorate at around 10am.

We started the journey after tea with the tour organizer Mohammad. Five hours took us through some of the most amazing desert scenery in the world. The landscape that Laurence traversed almost one hundred years ago is best seen at this time of year. We hardly ran into any tourists, the exception being a large tour group who we only saw at one point, of course they were all sporting white headdresses quite similar to those worn by the famous Englishman.

We arrived at Sunset Camp a bit before the sun went down. Greeted by the fore- mentioned Aussie, a young Frenchman and a Dutch couple all volunteering at the camp in order to save some money to continue traveling.

A little later on a group of three Americans, one Canadian and one French woman showed up after doing the same trip as us. We had a great time discussing the state of global affairs over some lovely Bedouin food prepared by the Sudanese cook. More pictures and info on Sunset Camp can be viewed at http://www.wadirumsunset.com/.

Getting up early we enjoyed another desert sunrise before catching a taxi to Wadi Mussa, the town which provides tourist services for those visiting Petra.

The hotel we chose has been great. The very funny manager Moussa has made us feel very welcome, the breakfast is great and they ferry us to Petra whenever we would like. Last night, he arranged tickets for us to see Petra at Night. What an absolutely amazing experience it is to walk down the path or the Siq, that leads to the Treasury by candle light.

Upon arriving at the Treasury, we were offered tea and then entertained with Bedouin music and stories. It is by far the best way to first see Petra.

We have purchased a three day pass and spent our first full day climbing up the 800 steps to what has to be the most impressive part of the whole ancient Nabataean town, the Monastery. Petra is so much bigger than the most famous Treasury, and it is believed that 80 percent is still uncovered. After day three I will write more of our experiences around this world wonder, for now I am very tired.