Today we explored the former capital of the Nabataeans, Petra. It flourished in the 1st century BC as a trading city for frankincense, myrrh and spices. From the middle of the 7th century AD it was abandoned and fell into oblivion. An earthquake had probably destroyed much. We hiked a total of 16.5 km along the Main and Monastery Trail to the monastery. The last part to the monastery is about 800 steps uphill. From a vantage point behind it we could see all the way to the border with Israel. Donkeys and camel riders want to transport you for free, but a good tip is expected. We preferred to walk. The monastery itself is very impressive and large.
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It was built in the 2nd century A.D. and later it was also used as a Christian church. To get there you walk through the Siq and pass by the treasure house and the theater, among others. By day it is a completely different atmosphere. The sandstone walls glow in many different colors, donkeys, camels, horse-drawn carriages and excursionists enliven the streets. There are no motorized vehicles and, except for a few restaurants and toilet blocks, no modern buildings. Souvenir stores are mostly hammered together in a makeshift fashion and line the paths. We had a packed lunch from the Hotel Cleopetra with us and twice we stopped in a Bedouin café for a tea. We really liked the Lion Triclinium, which is a bit away from the hustle and bustle in a small gorge.
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Back at the car we noticed that we had a (almost) flat tire on the right rear. Since the hotel was not far, Reiner drove slowly there. In a workshop near the hotel they repaired then our tire (from the inside with bicycle patches). A screw had gone in and the valve was replaced.
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We laid out the 20 JOD for now and hope to get it refunded. Our evening meal consisted of yogurt with fruit and oatmeal.
Silke