So, here we go. One of the most famous archaeological sites in the world. A UNESCO world heritage site. £50 for a day - in our case £55 for two. Is it worth it? Yes and no. £50 for a day is brutally expensive, but once you've made your way to the town, they know you're going to pay whatever it costs, and go in. The £55 for two days is a lot better value.
When you pass through the gate, they have horses which you can ride the 1.2km down to the gorge and the Treasury. It's included in the cost of your entry, BUT, you're expected to tip the guys with the horses, and they expect £3 - £5!
Once down in the city, you can pay for a camel or a donkey if you don't want to walk. If you're only there for one day it might be a good idea, but if your guide is walking and not mounted as well, then you'd probably be faster - and better off - walking, so save money and hoof it.
The ancient city is huge. In fact huge just doesn't do it justice. Since we got a two day pass, we didn't have to charge round, which was good. It's incredible, and just seems to keep on going.
We arrived at 7.30am, and spent about 4 1/2 hours walking round before leaving the rest till tomorrow (it's in a desert remember, and gets really really hot, and there isn't much in the way of shade).
When you pass through the gate, they have horses which you can ride the 1.2km down to the gorge and the Treasury. It's included in the cost of your entry, BUT, you're expected to tip the guys with the horses, and they expect £3 - £5!
Once down in the city, you can pay for a camel or a donkey if you don't want to walk. If you're only there for one day it might be a good idea, but if your guide is walking and not mounted as well, then you'd probably be faster - and better off - walking, so save money and hoof it.
The ancient city is huge. In fact huge just doesn't do it justice. Since we got a two day pass, we didn't have to charge round, which was good. It's incredible, and just seems to keep on going.
We arrived at 7.30am, and spent about 4 1/2 hours walking round before leaving the rest till tomorrow (it's in a desert remember, and gets really really hot, and there isn't much in the way of shade).
Karen walking down the gorge towards the ancient city
The Treasury.
Probably the most famous of the buildings in Petra
Karen in front of the Treasury
As we were leaving, there were tour groups still queuing up to go in. There's no way they were going to see even half of the city, as the place closes at 4.00pm to prepare for the "Petra by night" tour. At least they would be able to say "Yup, been there" and they would have seen the setting for one of the Indiana Jones movies, and the video for Dominion, by the Sisters of Mercy.
Once back at the hotel, it was time to chill by the pool, before heading out for dinner. I really like this town, but it's not known as Rip-off Petra, online for nothing. You can guess at the prices! Beautiful, just very very expensive.
The Egyptian guy we had got talking to in one of the eateries, has invited us to eat with him tomorrow after he finishes work, at 9.00pm. Should be nice.
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