During our trip to Israel and Jordan, we had the incredible opportunity to visit Petra. Our journey began in Jerusalem where we were staying, and took 4-5 hours to finally arrive. As we crossed over the Jordan border, we were forced to abandon our cars at the border lot (to be picked up later) as they were only letting busses and cabs cross over the border that day. Our group of 10 had to split up into different cabs to cross into the country of Jordan. We all reconvened together at Jordan customs office and hopped on a private bus to take us the rest of the way.

Travelling through the desert, looking out the window with my headphones on was a peaceful and surreal experience. When they say it's like stepping into another world, it really is. I was able to disconnect from my perceived assumptions of what the journey might look like and really experience the wonder of the Jordan countryside.

Finally, we made it to Petra. The ancient city, carved into the rose-red cliffs, was absolutely breathtaking. Walking through the narrow Siq and then emerging to see the Treasury for the first time felt like stepping back in time. Every corner of Petra has its own history and beauty, from the tombs to the rock-cut architecture. It’s a place you have to experience to fully appreciate its scale and mystery.

We stayed the night in quaint but very accommodating hotels that night located in adjacent Wadi Musa before departing for Jerusalem the next morning. Before tucking in though, we stopped at the oldest bar in the world, the Cave Bar. The Cave Bar is carved right into the hillside! See pictures for reference.