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I moved on to Petra, a three hour bus ride from Amman by the very comfortable and efficient Jett Bus, and, whilst the town of Wadi Musa close to the entrance tothe Rose City of Petra was not, I found, as friendly as Madaba, the ancient city of Petra was a remarkable place. Walking through the high and at times narrow rocks the first major site is the renowned Treasury, one of many buildings carved out of the rock by the Nabateans going back to the 1st Century BC. Camels and donkeys can convey those not so willing to walk but my form of transport over the four hour visit around this vast area was Shanks's Pony: my own two feet. The Monastery higher up and the tremendous viewpoint even higher were both memorable and, whilst the entrance fee of around £45 ( for those staying at least one night in Jordan rather than coming on a day trip from Israel or Egypt) seems steep the money goes towards preserving this remarkable site and was a wonderful experience. |
| My trip continued back via local bus to Madaba the next day before moving on to Jerusalem for three days. I admit to being very slightly anxious especially after being wished good luck and a safe visit by the hotel staff! The border crossing through the King Hussein Bridge - designed, I believe, predominantly not only for its proximity between Amman and Jerusalem but also for those, like me, who can leave and return through this entry border on a single entry Jordanian visa and who do not require visas for Israel - was lengthy and, after being evacuated at one stage, the whole process took three hours. I probably didn't help by asking for a piece of paper to be stamped rather than my passport: it was granted but not without a lot of questions. Bear in mind that using this crossing entails a Jordanian departure tax of around £8, buses for foreigners which, with luggage, will cost a further £8 and, on the return, an Israeli departure tax of just over £30. |
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