The Timeless Wonder of Petra

• Helloمرحبا
  [marhaba]
• Goodbyeوداعا
  [wadaea]
• Yesنعم
  [naam]
• Noلا
  [laa]
• Please/You're welcomeمن فضلك
  [min fadlik]
• Thank youشكرا
  [shukran]
• Excuse me/Sorryعذرا
  [aadra]
• How are you?كيف حالك؟
  [kaif halak?]
• Fine. And you?بخير. وأنت؟
  [bukheir. want?]
• Do you speak English?هل تتحدث الإنجليزية؟
  [hal tatahadath al'injlizia?]
• I don't understandأنا لا أفهم
  [ana la afham]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseأريد أن أرى القائمة، من فضلك
  [urid an ara alqaimah, min fadlik]
• I don't eat meatأنا لا آكل اللحم
  [ana la akl allahm]
• Cheers!صحتين!
  [sahatein]
• I would like to pay, pleaseأريد أن أدفع، من فضلك
  [urid an adfae, min fadlik]

• Help!النجدة!
  [alnajdah!]
• Go away!انصرف!
  [ansharif!]
• Call the Police!اتصل بالشرطة!
  [atassil bialshurtah!]
• Call a doctor!اتصل بطبيب!
  [atassil bitabib!]
• I'm lostضاعت الطريق
  [daeat altryq]
• I'm illأنا مريض
  [ana mareed]

• I'd like to buy...أريد أن أشتري...
  [urid an ashtari...]
• I'm just lookingأنا فقط أتفرج
  [ana faqat atfarg]
• How much is it?كم سعره؟
  [kam saeruh?]
• That's too expensiveهذا غالي جدا
  [hatha ghali jiddan]
• Can you lower the price?هل يمكنك تخفيض السعر؟
  [hal yumkinuk takhfid alsaeer?]

• What time is it?كم الساعة؟
  [kam alsaeah?]
• It's one o'clockالواحدة
  [alwahidah]
• Half past (10)عشر ونصف
  [ashar wansf]
• Morningصباح
  [sabah]
• Afternoonمساء
  [masa]
• Eveningمساء
  [masa]
• Yesterdayالبارحة
  [albarihah]
• Todayاليوم
  [alyawm]
• Tomorrowغدا
  [ghadan]
• 1واحد
  [wahid]
• 2اثنين
  [ithnayn]
• 3ثلاثة
  [thalathah]
• 4أربعة
  [arbahah]
• 5خمسة
  [khamsah]
• 6ستة
  [sittah]
• 7سبعة
  [sabahah]
• 8ثمانية
  [thamaniah]
• 9تسعة
  [tisah]
• 10عشرة
  [asharah]

• Where's a/the...?أين...
  [ayn...]
• What's the address?ما هو العنوان؟
  [ma hu al'anaan?]
• Can you show me (on the map)?هل يمكنك أن تريني (على الخريطة)؟
  [hal yumkinuk an tureeni (ala alkharitah)?]
• When's the next (bus)?متى الحافلة القادمة؟
  [mata alhafilah alqadimah?]
• A ticket (to ....)تذكرة (إلى ...)
  [tazkirah (ila ...)]

Petra, originally known as Raqmu, was established as the capital of the Nabataean Kingdom around the 4th century BCE. The Nabataeans were a nomadic Arab tribe who settled in the area and created a prosperous trading empire. Petra's strategic location allowed it to control the trade routes that linked Arabia, Egypt, and the Mediterranean.

The Nabataeans were master engineers and architects, creating an advanced water management system that included dams, cisterns, and water conduits. This allowed them to thrive in the arid desert environment. The city is renowned for its rock-cut architecture and innovative construction techniques, which are epitomized in the iconic Treasury (Al-Khazneh) and the Monastery (Ad-Deir).

In 106 CE, Petra was absorbed into the Roman Empire as part of the province of Arabia Petraea. The Romans introduced their architectural styles to the city, which resulted in a unique blend of Nabataean and Roman influences. Significant structures from this period include the Colonnaded Street and the Roman Theatre, which could seat up to 8,500 spectators.

After the Roman annexation, Petra gradually declined in importance due to shifting trade routes and a series of earthquakes. By the 7th century CE, Petra was largely abandoned. The city remained lost to the Western world until it was rediscovered in 1812 by Swiss explorer Johann Ludwig Burckhardt, who was guided to the site by local Bedouins.

Petra was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1985, recognizing its cultural and historical significance. It has since become one of the most visited archaeological sites in the world, attracting tourists, historians, and archaeologists alike. Preservation efforts continue to protect and study this ancient marvel, ensuring that future generations can appreciate Petra's legacy.

Petra is located in the southern part of Jordan, approximately 240 kilometers from the capital city, Amman. The nearest airport is Queen Alia International Airport in Amman. From Amman, you can take a direct bus operated by JETT, which takes around 3-4 hours. Alternatively, you can hire a private taxi or rent a car. There are also guided tours that include transportation from Amman or Aqaba, another nearby city with an international airport.

Once in Petra, most of the site is explored on foot. For those who need assistance, there are options such as horse-drawn carriages, camels, and donkeys. Local taxis and car rentals are available for getting around the Wadi Musa town, which is adjacent to Petra. Public buses and minibusses (service taxis) also operate between Wadi Musa and other cities like Amman and Aqaba.

The official currency in Jordan is the Jordanian Dinar (JOD). Credit cards are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants, and larger shops in Wadi Musa. However, it is advisable to carry some cash for smaller establishments and market purchases. ATMs are available in Wadi Musa, but it is good practice to withdraw sufficient cash in larger cities before arriving.

Petra and Wadi Musa are generally safe for tourists. However, like any tourist destination, it’s important to stay vigilant. Avoid walking alone at night in deserted areas and be cautious with your belongings in crowded places. There are no specific high-crime areas targeting tourists, but it is always best to stay aware of your surroundings.

In case of an emergency, dial 911 for immediate assistance. There is a police station and medical facilities in Wadi Musa. It is recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. For minor health issues, there are pharmacies in town where you can purchase over-the-counter medications.

Fashion: Do dress modestly; wear comfortable walking shoes. Avoid revealing clothing, especially when visiting religious sites. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions. Always cover your head when entering mosques. Public Transport: Do be respectful; give up your seat to elderly passengers. Don’t eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet people with a handshake; men should wait for women to extend their hand first. Eating & Drinking: Do try local delicacies and accept food offerings graciously. Don’t refuse hospitality, as it is considered impolite.

To experience Petra like a local, visit the local markets in Wadi Musa where you can buy traditional Jordanian goods. Engage with locals; they are often friendly and willing to share stories about the area's history and culture. Don’t miss the Petra by Night experience, where the Siq and Treasury are illuminated by thousands of candles. For a unique viewpoint, hike up to the Monastery or Al-Khubtha trail for panoramic views of Petra.