Petra

One of the Seven Wonders of the modern world, although not categorized as one of the 'ancient wonders', Petra is spectacular and rightfully finds its place as a ‘so-called’ modern wonder.

This ancient civilization is expressed in carved temples, monasteries, amphitheaters, palaces, stables, tombs, and storerooms. Bedouins, women baking bread, camels, donkeys, and children with dreadlocks and wild looks in their eyes selling postcards — welcome to the sandstone city built in the 3rd century BC by the Nabateans.

The inhabitants are the descendants of Bedouins who used to live inside the tombs and caves. They still live there, unable to assimilate and live in the nearby village. A village built especially for Bedouin families since Petra became a tourist attraction.

I am watching a guy who climbs on top of the Al Deir — the last monastery at the end of the trail through Petra city. He climbs with ease, no harness, no special gear, dressed in a T-shirt and shorts, barefoot. The speed and precision of his movements as he scales up to the top only show this isn’t the first time he has done it. Once he reaches the top, he jumps across to the very top. He must be local and probably climbs to the top often. Maybe it's part of his daily routine to keep fit — a run to the end of the trail in scorching heat followed by a climb to the top of the monastery.

This place is incredible. So much history and mystery. So much to show and tell, so much to admire and think of. So much to present and yet so much to hide.

I managed to get some great shots, but to really get the feel for this intricate architecture, you must visit and experience it for yourself.