Category Archives: World Cruise 2015

Aqaba and Petra


I started this as we made our way north, towards the ‘Registration’ point for the Suez Canal transit.  Once we have done so, we will be assigned an anchorage for the night, while various authorities inspect us to ensure we are suitable to transit their lovely Canal. 

Having been to Petra on 2 previous occasions and posted for both, Karen and I re-visited this wondrous testament to a bygone age, probably, for us anyway, the last time we will do so.  We joined a Crew tour, it’s always fun to have them and this was no exception.  Some had never visited and were thus very excited, (as were we).  A 3-hour drive by bus, with a pit-stop for a break and we were there.  Only 4 hours this time, so we both concentrated on photos and enjoying the day.  It is not known exactly when it was built, but the city began to prosper in the 1st century BC, when it ‘cornered the market’ in the Frankincense, myrrh and spice trade.  A large earthquake destroyed much of the city in 363 AD.

A compendium of photos and I made a video, however the internet is acting up again, try as I might I’m unable to download it to this page, may be later?  In fact, I have had a challenge getting anything on this page, so forgive me, I’m going to just get photos on this one and optimistically, matters will improve.

Wadi Musa, Petra is hidden away in the mountains

The Visitor’s Centre

A walk from the centre, the path lined either side with tombs cut into the rock

At the end of the path, one is confronted with a narrow gorge, the Siq and the only entrance to the city

guards at the gate, no passing until one has ‘donated’. (Not really, but it makes a nice photo)

After a long walk, a glimpse of what lies within, the facade of the Treasury

Buggy ride is optional

The Amphitheatre

Caught Nyron, our Shore Excursion Manager, cheating and riding down

Street of the facades

Self explanatory