Jordan - Petra Day 2

We knew that Petra was far too big to see in one day.  In fact, the Treasury, which is the most iconic spot on the tourist trail, is just a tiny fraction of this whole ancient city.  We ended up spending five hours today visiting Petra and we didn't even get to see everything. 

Our ticket included a horse ride but we were nervous about it on the first day because we had heard we still had to leave a fairly substantial "tip" for the horse's owner.  We asked around and were told how much would be acceptable, so off Ripley and I went on the horse!

Teddy wanted to walk with the hiking stick.  Nice moves, kid!

 We arrived at Petra not long after it had opened for the day so there weren't many tourists and we got to take a few pictures of the Sic without any people in them.

Teddy was super excited about being in Petra!

So were Michael and Ripley!

Another photo of our favorite carving along the walls of the Sic.  You can see the two feet of a long broken camel and the legs of a man on the right.

That beautiful iconic photo of the Treasury.

We got a few camel pictures before their handlers spotted us and ran over to ask if we wanted a ride.

I just love this building and it was so much cooler without tons of tourists around.

We were excited to venture out of the Treasury and into the huge city that is Petra.

One of the many buildings in the Petra valley.

Climbing up the stairs to one of the Royal Tombs.

The amazing rocks around Petra!

Inside one of the Royal Tombs buildings.  How amazing is that ceiling!

The view into the valley.  What a great picture, Michael!

Another Tomb photo.  Do you see the shop located on the right side of the photograph?  The local tribesman were everywhere selling their goods, even up in the mountains.  They turned anything, even some of the caves, into their little shops.

Hiking to the Tombs.

Some of the caves held animals, including donkeys.

Another view out over the valley!

There were no ropes telling us not to cross or barriers keeping us out of certain places.  We could go wherever we wanted and that was half the fun.

We came across this adorable little local boy who looked to be about Ripley's age.  He was selling postcards and we weren't supposed to buy items from children to encourage their parents to send them to school.  He was so sweet and really wanted to play with Ripley.  It was heartbreaking.  

...and humorous.  His pants were way too big and his little butt was hanging out of his pants.  It couldn't have been more adorable!

The view down over the main street through the city.  This place is huge!

I loved everything about Petra but I really enjoyed sitting on the top of a hill looking out over the city while we stopped for a snack of nuts and tea biscuits.  

Petra was one of the most amazing places I have ever visited.  I would love to return some day.  I am so thankful for the opportunity to see one of the 7 Wonders of the World.  It will always remain one of my favorite places on this Earth to visit!