Journeying through the once Lost City, Petra

Two world wonders in two months. Words can’t even begin to describe how blessed I am to explore ancient national treasures such as the beautiful “Rose City.” I can only hope to pay forward this opportunity by telling their stories exceptionally well.

As I meandered through the twisting and turning canyons towards the Treasury, the most iconic structure in the Lost City, the journalist in me wanted to dig deeper rather than simply admire. And that’s exactly what I did.

The Art Tells a Story

Despite what some may believe, Petra was monumental long before Harrison Ford rode through the curving rose canyons in Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade. But what exactly is the story behind it, and how was it built?

In this video, I speak to a fellow Semester at Sea student who was a part of visual art as a communication field class studying the treasury and the Nabateans, the ancient peoples who built it.

The Journey to the Treasury

A Thriving Town

Many think of the world wonder when they hear the name “Petra,” but in reality, Petra is more than the bygone city of the Nabateans.

Today, Petra is a thriving town tucked away in the Wadi Musa mountain range. The photograph above is of a furry friend we made outside of the entrance to the ruins of the Rose City.

My travel partner MK and I were lucky enough to spend a night in the charming mountain town. It was an unplanned excursion that highlighted my time in Jordan. I loved exploring the streets of Petra and discovering the best local Jordanian cuisine.

The Scenic Route

MK and I began our 40-minute hike to the Treasury by sipping warm cups of coffee and admiring the crumbling sandstone structures along the way. All the ruins we saw are a part of the ancient city.

We began the hike at roughly 6:45 a.m., so the moon still hung in the sky, and the sun hadn’t quite risen yet.

Exploring the Rose City in the early morning, though not originally our plan, turned out to work very well in a favor. We beat the crowds and enjoyed a beautiful sunrise hike through the cliffs. If you’re ever visiting Petra, I’d recommend starting your journey early!

Some Things Don't Change

When you arrive at the Treasury, you’re greeted by flocks of local tour guides and shop owners. Some charge visitors for a photo on the backs of camels.

Whether you partake in the local markets or not, that aspect of the treasury hasn’t changed. The monument has been a hub for trade and commerce ever since the Nabateans built it.

Petra, in all its Glory

The Taj Mahal, my first wonder, was familiar to me before I saw it. I’d heard of the monument before and seen it on Pinterest. But Petra took me more by surprise. Like the rest of Jordan, it was unearthly stunning.

If you’re looking to escape the realm of the familiar and travel somewhere beyond expectations, I can’t recommend Jordan enough. The mystical sights will make you feel like you’re in another world, but the friendly faces you’ll encounter will remind you that you’re still on Earth. It’s the best feeling on the planet.