Exploring the Timeless Wonders of Petra with Family

Whispers of the Past: Our Arrival in Petra

As I sit down to write this, my heart is still brimming with the day's experiences. Today, we embarked on our Petra adventure, a place I've dreamt of visiting since I was a little girl in Al-Suqaylabiyah, listening to tales of ancient civilizations. Bringing Klaus and the children, Aisha and Malik, here feels surreal – a dream come true that I get to share with my loved ones. Despite the chilly January air, the warmth of Jordanian hospitality and the sheer magnificence of Petra have already made this a journey to remember.

Our day began early as we prepared to leave our accommodation near Wadi Musa and head to the Petra Visitor Center. The air was crisp, a typical January morning in Jordan, with temperatures hovering around 10°C. I layered up, remembering my forgotten sunglasses and hat – a lesson learned from past travels. Aisha and Malik were bubbling with excitement, their little faces eager to catch a glimpse of the famed Rose City. Klaus, ever the pragmatist, double-checked our essentials: comfortable walking shoes, sunscreen, and of course, the camera to capture every moment. After a quick but hearty breakfast at My Mom's Recipe Restaurant, we were ready to start our adventure.

The drive to the Petra Visitor Center was short, and soon we found ourselves amidst a throng of fellow travelers, all eager to witness the wonders of Petra. The Visitor Center itself was impressive, a modern complex that offered a glimpse into the history and culture of the Nabataeans. We spent some time exploring the museum, learning about the sophisticated water management systems and the intricate carvings that awaited us. It was a great way to set the stage for the day ahead.


Discover the wonders of Petra at the Visitor Center: your gateway to ancient history and breathtaking landscapes in Jordan.

The desert tells a story, and Petra is its most eloquent chapter.

With our tickets in hand, we began our walk towards the Siq, the narrow gorge that serves as the main entrance to Petra. As we walked, the landscape transformed, the sandstone cliffs rising higher and higher, their colors shifting from pale yellow to deep red. The anticipation was palpable, a sense of entering another world. Malik, always the curious one, peppered us with questions about the Nabataeans, their lives, and their city. Aisha, ever the artist, was captivated by the colors of the rocks, pointing out shades of pink, orange, and purple.


Discover the enchanting Al-Siq, a breathtaking gorge leading to Petra, where ancient history and stunning rock formations await every traveler.

The Siq itself was an experience. The towering cliffs, in some places only a few meters apart, created a sense of awe and wonder. The path wound its way through the gorge, revealing glimpses of ancient carvings and intricate water channels. It was easy to imagine caravans of traders making their way through this very passage centuries ago. The children were fascinated by the terracotta pipes and stone panels used to transport water from Wadi Musa, marveling at the ingenuity of the Nabataeans.

And then, as we rounded a final bend, the Treasury appeared. It was a moment that took my breath away. The sheer scale and intricate detail of the façade, carved directly into the sandstone cliff, were simply astounding. The Treasury, or Al-Khazneh as it's known in Arabic, stood bathed in sunlight, its rose-colored stone glowing against the clear blue sky. It was more magnificent than any picture could ever convey. According to local Bedouin legend, the pharaoh hid a treasure in the urn at the top, and you can see bullet holes from shooting at the urn to try to retrieve this treasure. Of course, in reality, it is a mausoleum, likely used for funerary purposes.


Discover the enchanting allure of The Treasury in Petra, an archaeological masterpiece steeped in history and stunning natural beauty.

We spent a long time simply gazing at the Treasury, taking in its beauty and trying to imagine the lives of those who had created it. The children were equally mesmerized, their initial excitement giving way to a quiet awe. Klaus, ever the historian, pointed out the Hellenistic influences in the architecture, the Corinthian capitals, and the friezes of winged griffins.

Afterward, we explored the area around the Treasury, taking photos and soaking in the atmosphere. We learned that in 2003, archaeologists from the Jordan Department of Antiquities discovered three Nabataean royal tombs beneath Al-Khazna, which sheds light on the historical significance and purpose of this iconic monument. We also did a little shopping at Petra Rosemary Shop & Frankincense where I picked up some essential oils to remind me of our trip when we returned home to Bonn.


Explore the charming Petra Rosemary Shop & Frankincense for unique Jordanian gifts and aromatic treasures near the ancient city of Petra.

For lunch, we decided to try The Basin Restaurant, the only restaurant inside Petra's ruins. While some reviews I had read were mixed, we were hungry and the location was convenient. The restaurant offered a buffet with a mix of Western and Arabic dishes. It wasn't the most exceptional meal, but it was satisfying, and the chance to rest our feet and enjoy the views of the surrounding ruins was well worth it. I enjoyed some Maklouba, which reminded me of the Syrian dish, Maqluba. Although, I have to admit, my version is better! I was also missing the side of Laban that I usually have with it.


Experience authentic Jordanian cuisine amidst the stunning landscapes of Petra at The Basin Restaurant.

As the day drew to a close, we began our walk back through the Siq. The setting sun cast long shadows, painting the sandstone cliffs in even more dramatic hues. The walk back was quieter, a time for reflection on all that we had seen and experienced. Despite the crowds and the chilly weather, Petra had cast its spell on us, a spell of history, beauty, and wonder.

Back in Wadi Musa, we had dinner at Petra Homemade Food Restaurant, a cozy little place that served authentic Jordanian cuisine. The food was delicious, the portions generous, and the atmosphere warm and welcoming. It was the perfect way to end our first day in Petra, a day that had exceeded all our expectations.


Discover authentic Jordanian cuisine at Petra Homemade Food Restaurant – a culinary gem nestled in Wadi Musa near the ancient city of Petra.

As I think about tomorrow, I am excited to explore more of Petra's wonders. Our itinerary includes the Street of Facades, the Roman Theater, and the Royal Tombs. I am particularly looking forward to seeing the Royal Tombs, with their colorful swirls of pink and orange rock colors. But for now, I must rest and recharge, for tomorrow promises another day of adventure in this ancient city.

Despite the long day, I feel invigorated. Petra has a way of doing that, of stirring something deep within the soul. It is a place that transcends time, a place that speaks to the enduring power of human creativity and resilience. And I am so grateful to be here, sharing this experience with my family. I am looking forward to sharing more stories with you, dear readers. Until tomorrow!