journey into jordan : petra p2

These stringed camels reminded me of the stuffed elephants that Kedar got for me from India. They were also wrapped in multi-coloured cloth and hung on a long string. Maybe I should find these stringed animals and make a collection, have them hanged on my door as a curtain of sorts!

This native Jordanian girl was trying to show her handicraft to some tourists. I'm impressed how even though they are poor, the locals never beg or hassle you for money. They will sit there with their wares and crafts, but mostly never even persuade you to buy.

Though once when it was about to rain, there was a Bedouin girl (assumed she was one since they were found in Petra, and the nearest town seemed catered to more well-off locals) who asked if I could give her something. I wasn't sure if she was asking for money, but when I asked if she'd like some bread I had packed, she seemed appreciative for it.

I later realised maybe they don't get to eat properly, as she devoured the bread in no time. Later on as I saw more local kids I decided to keep some of my breakfast so that I can give them away.

I have never walked nor hiked this much in my life before! Just two days of Petra have made me wish I was living in Japan when I made the trip. The few years of walking and cycling in Japan have made hitchhiking in Europe almost a breeze. 

Either that, or age is catching up on me!

I would have wanted to support the local craftsman especially those who don't insist you purchase their products, if not for the fact that these were made of glass and Petra was only the 2nd stop, and I didn't know if I could stuff these into my luggage.

However, much later, at my last stop in Amman, a CS-er got me one of these as a souvenir.

I enjoyed marvelling at the fascinating rock formations sculpted over the decades, if not centuries by wind, water and natural elements. Truly God's creations never cease to awe.

So we took the Petra by Night tour which seemed to build up a lot of hype with people queueing up to buy tickets, then the long walk through the Siq with only candles and stars to light our way. The walk ends at the magnificent Treasury where we sat down to enjoy local music and storytelling.

The surrounding is such that microphone or modern audio equipment is not necessary as the sound bounces off the high walls. Could have been better, since the long walk made us more expectant! Still, for those who are not tired out by the day's hike could enjoy the haunting Bedouin music, imagining what life must have been centuries ago.