Petra After Dark
Jordan's Ancient City of Petra is like Disneyland for anyone with the slightest Indiana Jones fetish. The buildings that were carved into the rock by Bedouin tribes hundreds of years ago was only rediscovered in the early 1800's. This UNESCO world heritage site is a member of the Seven Wonders of the Modern World, and is truly astounding in it's magnificence.
Known as the Rose City, Petra spans the area of a small city. Over 60 sq km's are covered in the main Petra site so make sure you've got your comfortable shoes on, as you will be doing quite some walking.
The other option that is available to you for Petra is the Petra After Dark experience. I must admit it sounds like some kind of erotic activity, however that couldn't be further from the truth.
Entering through The Siq
Entering Petra through the incredible wash that has been created mostly by water erosion sets the tone for the night. I hadn't even seen pics of this entrance and was very excited winding my way deeper and deeper into the site. You will be asked repeatedly if you would like a carriage ride, however unless you really can't do it, resist the temptation. The walk is worth it. I have heard that the carriages don't operate at night now so that might be something that you are free of.
From memory Petra After Dark is a few times a week. It is a really incredible experience walking down the Siq at night and bizarrely everyone seems to be almost reverent. Its quiet and if people do talk it's in whispers mostly so by the time you get to the Treasury where there are something like 1500 candles burning you have a great appreciation for this incredible historic site.
It's worth noting that the only toilet is about half way down the Siq at the guard station, so maybe don't have a few beers beforehand!
After the experience has ended, try to wait until most of the crowd has gone and then walk back up the Siq on your own. It's pretty surreal.
A Bedouin piper plays until everyone is in the seated. Once that happens you will hear some stories and history of ancient Petra. It is a delightful way to spend the night.
NB: you sit on rugs on the floor cross legged so if you have trouble with sitting like that, maybe take your fold up chair and sit at the back. I'm sure they do cater for people so maybe just ask during the day about that.
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