Day 88 Aqaba, Jordan

Today was without a doubt a major highlight for this year’s Grand World Voyage…. It isn’t often that you get a chance to visit one of the 7 Wonders of the World. Ed, Becky, Allan, Sandra & I left the ship and the port of Aqaba at 7:00 am this morning heading for Petra also known as the Rose City. It was established around the 6th century BC and it is incredible…. The photos, starting from the first glimpse of the Treasury and you emerge from the Siq until our departure 6 hours later tell the story…. The palce is magnificent, such beauty… Ed, Becky & I left Allan & Sandra as we emerged from the Siq and climbed up to the high place where the sacrificial alter is along with some marvelous views. What a hike! We came back down and headed for the Theater and did a quick walk by survey of the Royal Tombs as we headed for the path up to the Monastery with its hour long hike and 800 steps. The hike was strenuous but the scenery and views were fabulous. Once on the top, seeing the Monastery made the hike well worthwhile. Up at the top I certainly was taken aback when I was proposed to by a young Bedouin girl (pink scarf) who appeared to be in her early 20s… my charm? OK, maybe not…. We came back down the mountain and headed to the Royal tombs where we explored them more fully. Then it was time for the long trek out of Petra to the entrance to meet up with Allan & Sandra and our driver. We all shared stories of our day and headed back to Aqaba. We decided to go out to eat so, we invited our driver to dinner and went to a place of his choice…. Great choice! Nice way to end a perfect day with a wonderful dinner with great friends. It just doesn’t get any better than this!!!!