Egypt/Israel/Jordan

What an incredible time. 

Against all advice Kimball Crofts and Chris Wiseman decided we needed to rent our own cars and drive. Some would call it a death sentence but in truth it was such a blessing. So much freedom and I found it much safer then the cab drivers. We didn't hit any pedestrians but got pretty close to some camels. We got into Cairo late Sunday evening. We slept maybe 3 hours :) and started driving monday morning. I was surprised by how similar the surroundings felt. Much like Moab or Lake Powell. Excluding the turbans and camels :)

We arrived to Aquaba that day and decided to stay the night instead of traveling on into Wadi Rum. The Hilton Resort was very nice... a little too nice. Tuesday we got up, journeyed into Israel, which by the way was intense through security and so clean on the other side. After Israel we continued to Jordan where, Muhammed picture below picked us up and drove us to Petra. I wanted to take him home to my Grandma. A muslim Clark Gable :)
The view was incredible this is right before you get into Petra. And again below you feel like you are in Zion until you see it... The Monastary.

It was so unexpected. The grand awe of it all. It was quite moving. Almost emotional- at least for me with its striking beauty. So we arrived in Petra later that evening, took horses down to the Monastary but it was closing so we weren't able to go any further. Kimball befriended a local guide named Haidi that we worked a deal with for a very unique experience. 

The next morning we woke up around 5:30am to get to the Monastary by 6:30am. There Haidi met us with nine camels. The place was empty and so welcoming with its silence. We did the journey by camel. Then took the steps up to the Monastary. Quite a ways and pretty steep but very worth it. Haidi took us first to the top and we played around like 12 year olds until some locals below called the cops. ( by cellphone ) In the photo below you can see the middle column up top. We all peaked our heads over that- very scary- for some. You will also see Kim and I in the photo, the tiny specks of dirt in the doorway.

It was truly an experience of a lifetime. That night we had a turkish bath. Now that was awesome. I know what you are thinking, a big sweaty stone room filled with obese men. NO way. If you get the opportunity, do it. It was so fun.