Petra (means “stone” in Greek) is located in Jordan, and it is famous for its rock-cut architecture. When I mention Petra, most people do not know where it is. When I describe it to others, I ask them to picture a Greek temple, which is a free standing site, and then I ask them to picture that same Greek temple carved and built within and around a mountain. I then usually follow up with, “How the hell did they do that?” I admit that it’s an unusual place to be intrigued about as it wasn’t even in my radar until I returned from Turkey. I still don’t know what words to use to describe how and what I felt in Turkey, but feeling like you were touched by God leaves a deep, indelible mark in your psyche, never to be forgotten. And because it was the greatest of highs that I have ever experienced, I wanted, of course, to feel this way again. So thinking that another historical place (Petra is at least 2,600 years old!) would allow me to feel this way, I researched “The Seven Wonders of the World” list which somehow led me to the UNESCO World Heritage Sites. I believe this is where I found Petra. I must have seen glimpses of its architecture in the past somehow, somewhere, as it seemed familiar. Simply put, its beauty astounded me. I cannot imagine how beautiful it would be in person, as well as how I would feel when I’m actually there.
Although the internet is full of information, I always like to buy an actual travel guide book to hold, touch, and flip through the pages. So off I went to Barnes and Noble to buy a book on Petra, only to be disappointed. While there were three whole shelves of books on Italy, there were only two small books on Jordan. I didn’t like my two choices but I bought one anyway. Then, I felt good for choosing to go to Petra, a place that is a bit more exotic and shrouded in mystery. I am not one for Starbucks, 50 Shades of Grey, or anything else ubiquitous for that matter. I am unique, restless, and always searching for the unknown that will open my eyes to an exotic new discovery. I don’t know if Petra will live up to the glory of my imagination. But I will certainly find out when I get there, and I can’t wait…
but Italy will have to wait.
Travel section for a long, long time.
