Petra - the other view

Jordan holiday, Day 5
We got up early, skipped breakfast and were in the park for our second day before 7am. Made sure we had warm jackets this time! We got there before most of the tour groups - though didn't beat the German ones ;-) - and enjoyed the walk down the Souk in relative solitude. This time we climbed up to the high place behind the Treasury, about 900 steps, and took our time, watching and photographing the bird life on the way.

I explained yesterday that the Bedouin have all the concessions which means that gift shops like this are found round every corner. Someone must buy this stuff (not us!) which varies from jewellery to polished stones, dubious looking fossils & coins, little cafes - all wanting the tourist cash. Some of the stall are run by very small children. It's a shame it is so commercialised though there are still unspoiled stretches and wildlife.

This time we emerged at about 1pm, having taken a carriage ride up for the last 2km. Cost a fortune but my blisters said thank you.

We had tickets in the evening for 'Petra by Night' but I didn't go - could not face any more walking.