Petra Treasury

The experience of stepping out of the narrow Sqi into a brightly lit canyon gazing at a huge carving jutting from a massive wall of rock, the combination of light and massiveness of the carving was almost overwhelming, the feeling is indescribable, it's so massive and bright reflecting the morning sun, making taking a picture difficult. I've read where they believe it was constructed around the 1st century BCE and no one knows for sure why it was made. There are many tails of pirates hiding treasure there (hence it's name treasury) it's pretty well accepted that it was either a temple or a tomb. One of the tails says that there are treasures hidden in the top of the carving, in the second photo bullet holes can be observed. Getting up close to it gives you a sense to it's grandeur and size also it is amazingly we preserved compared to the other carvings further down the canyon.

Sqi to Petra

Once I got my legs back under me I made my way to the real entrance, a crevice (Sqi) in a reddish/ orange mountain about a mile in length to the old city deep inside. Even though it is early in the morning the heat is becoming apparent as I attempt to walk in the shade as much as possible fortunately there is plenty of shade to share with others as we make our way through the narrow crevice sometimes only 10 feet wide. Just walking through the Sqi is an experience in its self the rose colored cliffs weathered by wind and water over the centuries provided protection for the inhabitants for many years. Just a few men placed in just the right position could barricade the Sqi and hold off an army which happened on several occasions. There are carvings in the walls depicting some of the caravans that made their way through these narrow passages. I can't help but wonder what it would have been like leading a camel loaded with spices and goods through this winding corridor and looking forward to a cool drink of water, fresh food and possibly some fresh vegetables and dates after crossing the unforgiving desert.