23/01/2022
We walked in silence, most of us slowly taking in the candle-lit Siq. I could imagine what it would have been like to be a Nabatean trader, entering the city through this naturally created chasm.
There were no clip-clops of shoed horses carrying passengers on carriages, no donkey’s braying and no tour guides with groups of tourists taking in the secrets of the Siq. It was just me and my thoughts, eager to get to the Treasury.
When we arrived, most people were already seated, sweet, aromatic bedouin tea being passed out as we marveled at the lights in front of us.
The performance at Petra by night is not too long, a few melodies on a traditional flute, the rababa, and a story of Petra, and it is over sooner than I had wished. After finishing my last glass of “shai” we walked back along the siq. taking in each shadow, each curve until we arrived back at our hotel.
While some people might tell you it is a waste of money, I loved the silence of the Siq and the magical feeling of walking down its winding path with just my own thoughts in my head. there were no distractions around and only a few others, who were taking the evening in with me.
My candlelit visit to the ruins of Petra was one I will not forget, and I encourage you to spend one of your evenings in Wadi Musa, doing the same. You can rest your weary legs another night.
