Sunday, February 1, 2026

Today we visited Petra – one of the 7 Wonders of the World, and one of the most spectacular days on our journey. Yesterday was a travel day so I didn’t post anything from it. We left early by bus for a 3.5 hour drive up the east side of the Sinai Peninsula along the Aqaba Gulf. Near the north end we took a ferry across the Gulf to Aqaba Jordan (which was wonderful) where we then had lunch in Aqaba at a fast food Swarmer restaurant (perhaps the best meal we’ve had on the whole trip – could be because we were so hungry though). We also visited a liquor store (all liquor stores in Jordan are Christian owned and run since it’s forbidden for Muslims to), where Pastor Mike took a picture and entitled it: “Lutherans in their natural habitat.” We then traveled by bus to Petra where we arrived at the nicest place we’ve stayed on the whole trip: the Old Village Resort in Petra. It used to be an old village that was converted into a hotel and is charming, beautiful, and the food is great! We slept in this morning and started mid morning for the UNESCO site of ancient Petra. We walked the slot canon where it opens to the famous and picturesque Treasury. It was breath taking! The weather was perfect and there was hardly anyone there, which was unusual and such a treat. We had the whole day to explore the archeological sites and return to enjoy each other’s company and a cold beverage in the Cave Bar near the entrance (a 2000 year old tomb converted into a bar). We then returned to our favorite hotel for a relaxing evening. Today was a highlight for all.