Yesterday we were in awe just seeing the As-Siq (the gorge main entrance), the Treasury (most famous building), and the High Place of Sacrifice (a difficult trail up to the place of Nabataean rituals). Today, we feel as though we saw everything else that we intended. We walked the Street of Facades. We climbed to see several famous tombs. We saw the remains of some early Christian churches. We got to walk the Colonnaded Street on some of the original marble stones.
Yet, the most spectacular task was getting up to the Ad-Deir Monastery. It was much more of a hike than I expected. We, being tough guys, refused the aid of donkeys and horses. It took at least an hour to get there but less on the return. The walk back to the front entrance was at least three or four kilometers.
This makes me offer advice to those who are planning to travel in retirement. Don't wait. To really experience many places, one has to be strong and able. People put off going places they really want to see for financial reasons, the lack of ability to get away from work, or other excuses. If you want to be able to enjoy a trip, figure out ways to do it right away. Time is not kind and even if in good health, most older people might not be able to do this things we did today.
