I am nearly in tears. A little ways off the sounds of authentic Bedouin music fills the air, mixing with the soft murmur of appreciation from onlookers. The canyon walls are high and on occasion, the full moon pops out, but the path is mostly lit by little lanterns on either side. I can hear the music steadily growing louder and after a few more minutes I’m finally rewarded with my first glimpse of the famous treasury still partially obscured by the canyon walls. It’s in this moment, I’m overtaken with a sudden rush of happiness which causes a few tears, from joy and excitement, to escape.
I’ve wanted to visit Petra for close to a decade and could not contain my disappointment when a few years ago I was in the Middle East but could not make the timing work. Jordan has been close to the top of my travel bucket list for a while, with Petra right at the top of the Jordan list.
Standing now, in front of the iconic treasury, with lanterns glowing in the sand in front, the reality is better than anything my imagination can conjure. For over half and hour I am completely in the present and get lost in the music and beauty of my surroundings.
