Solo Cultural Exploration at Feynan Ecolodge, Jordan

A Day Among Giants

Today, the desert wind carried me to Petra, a city carved from sandstone, a testament to a civilization that mastered water and stone. It was a day of walking through history, feeling the weight of ages beneath my feet, and marveling at the ingenuity of the Nabataeans. Leaving the tranquil embrace of Feynan Ecolodge behind, I knew I was stepping into a place where every stone had a story to tell.


Explore the enchanting ruins of Petra, Jordan's iconic archaeological gem with stunning rock-cut architecture and rich history.

The journey from Feynan to Petra was an experience in itself. The stark beauty of the Jordanian landscape unfolded outside the window, a canvas of ochre and sand stretching towards the horizon. I thought about Jan and how much he would have appreciated the engineering marvels we were about to witness. He always had a keen eye for detail, and Petra is nothing if not a testament to intricate craftsmanship. Perhaps, next time, I can persuade him to join me on one of these adventures.

After breakfast at the Feynan Ecolodge, fueling up with the delicious local flavors that have become a staple of my mornings here, I set off. The drive itself offered a stark contrast to the serenity of the ecolodge. The landscape shifted from the rolling dunes near Feynan to the rugged, mountainous terrain surrounding Petra. I couldn't help but reflect on how the Nabataeans, those ancient inhabitants of this land, had not only survived but thrived in such an environment. Their mastery of water conservation and their architectural prowess were nothing short of remarkable.

Arriving at the entrance to Petra, I was immediately struck by the sheer scale of the place. The visitor center buzzed with anticipation, a mix of languages swirling in the air as people from all corners of the globe gathered to witness this wonder. I secured my ticket and stepped through the gates, ready to embark on a journey back in time.


Explore the breathtaking beauty and rich history of Petra, the ancient Rose City, a must-visit wonder of the world in Jordan.

The Siq, that narrow gorge leading to the heart of Petra, was even more breathtaking than I had imagined. The towering sandstone cliffs, sculpted by millennia of wind and water, seemed to close in, creating an almost mystical atmosphere. The play of light and shadow on the rock faces was mesmerizing, and I found myself stopping every few steps to take it all in. I imagined the caravans of old, laden with spices and silks, making their way through this very passage, their voices echoing against these ancient walls.

As I walked, I couldn't help but think of my daughter, Layla. She would have been fascinated by the colors of the rocks, the way the sunlight transformed the hues from pale pink to deep crimson. She has always had an artist’s eye, seeing beauty in the most unexpected places. I made a mental note to bring her here one day, to share this experience with her.

And then, as the Siq began to widen, the Treasury appeared. Al-Khazneh, as it's known in Arabic. There it stood, bathed in sunlight, an architectural marvel carved directly into the sandstone cliff. The intricate details of the façade, the columns, the statues, were simply astounding. It was a moment that took my breath away, a moment I knew I would never forget. I spent a long time simply gazing at it, trying to absorb every detail, every nuance of this incredible structure. It was easy to see why Petra is one of the New Seven Wonders of the World.

The desert holds secrets whispered on the wind, and Petra is where those whispers take shape in stone.

Afterward, I ventured deeper into Petra, exploring the Street of Facades, the Royal Tombs, and the many other wonders that this city holds. Each site was more impressive than the last, each telling a story of the Nabataean people, their culture, and their way of life. The Roman theater, carved into the hillside, spoke of a later era, when Petra was part of the Roman Empire. I marveled at the ingenuity of the Nabataeans, who had mastered the art of carving structures into the rock face, creating a city that was both beautiful and functional.

Lunch was at The Basin Restaurant, a welcome respite from the desert heat. I enjoyed a traditional Jordanian meal, savoring the flavors of the region as I watched fellow travelers from around the world. It was a reminder of how travel can bring people together, sharing experiences and creating connections that transcend borders and cultures.


Discover the rich culinary heritage of Jordan at The Basin Restaurant, where stunning views and traditional flavors converge in the heart of Petra.

The afternoon was spent exploring more of Petra's hidden corners. I climbed to the High Place of Sacrifice, a challenging but rewarding hike that offered panoramic views of the city. From up there, I could see the vastness of Petra, the way it sprawled across the landscape, a testament to the ambition and vision of its creators. The heat was intense, typical for August in Jordan, but the views were worth every drop of sweat. I made sure to stay hydrated, sipping water from my reusable bottle and seeking shade whenever possible.

As the sun began to set, I made my way back towards the entrance, retracing my steps through the Siq. The colors of the rocks were even more vibrant now, the sandstone glowing in the golden light. The Treasury, once again, stood in all its glory, a fitting end to a day of exploration and discovery.

Before heading back to Feynan, I made a brief stop at Al Maqa'ad Bar, a local spot where I enjoyed a refreshing drink and chatted with some of the locals [ITINERARY OF TODAY]. It was a chance to learn more about Jordanian culture and to connect with the people who call this place home.


Experience the vibrant atmosphere and authentic flavors of Jordan at Al Maqa'ad Bar in Wadi Musa, the gateway to Petra.

Reflecting on the day, I am struck by the timelessness of Petra. It is a place that has survived empires, earthquakes, and the ravages of time. It is a place that continues to inspire awe and wonder in all who visit. As someone deeply involved in cultural heritage preservation through my work with the NGO, seeing a site like Petra so well-preserved and respected is incredibly heartening.

Tomorrow, I plan to visit the Byzantine Church and the Winged Lion Temple, eager to uncover more of Petra's secrets [ITINERARY OF TOMORROW]. I am also hoping to find some unique souvenirs at Jordan River Designs, a shop I heard about that supports local artisans [ITINERARY OF TOMORROW]. It feels good to support the local economy while finding meaningful reminders of my journey.

Back at the Feynan Ecolodge, as I sit under the starlit sky, the silence of the desert is broken only by the gentle breeze. It's a perfect ending to a day filled with history, beauty, and wonder. I feel grateful for the opportunity to experience Petra, to walk in the footsteps of the Nabataeans, and to connect with the rich cultural heritage of Jordan. It's moments like these that remind me why I travel, why I seek out new experiences, and why I share them with you all. The lack of light pollution here makes stargazing incredible; I really wish I hadn't forgotten my binoculars! I'll have to remember to buy some when I'm back in Delft. Until tomorrow, may your own journeys be filled with discovery and inspiration.

Driving back to Feynan Ecolodge, I couldn’t help but think about how different Petra must have looked in its prime. The Nabataeans were master engineers, and their ability to create such a thriving city in the middle of the desert was truly remarkable. I also pondered the various influences that shaped Petra's architecture, from the Nabataean style to the Roman and Byzantine additions. It was a melting pot of cultures, a testament to the interconnectedness of the ancient world.

I arrived back at Feynan Ecolodge as the sun dipped below the horizon, painting the sky in hues of orange and purple. The lodge was bathed in the soft glow of candlelight, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. After freshening up, I joined the other guests for dinner, sharing stories of our day's adventures. The sense of community at Feynan is truly special, and it's one of the things that makes this place so unique.

As I prepare for my final day here in Jordan, I feel a sense of gratitude for the experiences I've had. From the tranquility of Feynan Ecolodge to the grandeur of Petra, this journey has been a reminder of the beauty and wonder that exists in the world. I look forward to sharing more of my adventures with you tomorrow, as I continue to explore the hidden corners of this fascinating land.