Jordan

You might have be familiar with the above picture of the Treasury in Petra, Jordan from the last supper scene in "Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade." Petra is an amazing place, hewn from the sandstone cliffs by the local Nabataean people (and the Romans later), who used this strategic location to control trade routes.

The Canyon leading up to the entrance of the treasury in Jordan makes the site all the more dramatic.

The sandstone cliffs and arid environment reminded us of Southern Utah. The picture above and below were a couple of our favorite views of the beautiful swirling colors we called tie dye rocks.

In addition to the treasury in Petra, the Nabataeans carved numerous other buildings, dwellings, and stables carved into the rocks.

The Monastery that requires a 45 minute hike. It looks a little bit like the Treasury, but notice the differences.

This is another picture in front of the Treasury, but we thought 3 pictures of this stunning view was acceptable, and the donkey pictured above was such a great photo composition by Rusty.

A couple other views around Petra.

Here is our favorite host, Muslah, from our hostel in Petra. When we arrived, he asked Kelsi if she was missing her family and even offered to call up Kelsi's nephews and nieces for a minute... a really nice gesture! (Ashley, this is who you talked to).

As always, we are continuing to read voraciously as we wait for trains, planes, and automobiles. Here is Kelsi waiting for our bus to our next destination. Really good book "Tis" by Frank McCourt. Now we're definitely going to read his other book, "Angela's Ashes."