Aqaba again but photos from Petra

(Lesley)  We have returned to warmer weather in Aqaba.  Wadi Musa (Petra) did warm up on day four. The shower water warmed up too, in the dorm so we were able to shower in relative comfort. We also learned something:  If you buy a thee day pass at Petra you can return a fourth day for free. We didn't do it, but we met some people who did and we want to pass on the info for others.

Back here in Aqaba, we have each done a quick load of laundry in the hotel sink. It is nice to see our clothes dry so fast with the heat. We went back to our favourite restaurant for lunch and they were happy to see us again.

Instead of going to Safeway for breakfast cereal this time we tried the grocery store at the City Center Mall. That is an unusual place; a duty free shopping mall which is all but deserted at this time of the year. I gather it comes into it's own when everyone makes their pilgrimage to Mecca. (You pass the road to Mecca on the way to the mall. I just missed a good photo of the Road to Mecca sign) There are stores selling lots of name brand clothes, shoes etc, but there aren't any buyers.

Our interest was in the grocery store. In India, food, soaps, drinks and candy etc all had the manufacturers suggested retail price printed on the package so you knew the price and shop keepers were quite honest. In Jordan, there either isn't a MR Price or it is in Arabic and not obvious (we read arabic numbers) We have found that all over Jordan the shop keepers will charge whatever they think you will pay. We have often seen shopkeepers charging different prices for the same things. At Safeway and at the big grocery store in the City Center Mall, prices are listed on the shelves so there is no hassle and no guess work. It just makes the process of shopping so much easier and ejoyable. Bartering is fun for souvenirs; I do enjoy the process but I prefer to see the prices for basics espescially when I am hungry or tired or when I am feeding someone who is hungry or tired. We bought a nice big Havarti cheese. Mmmm

Here are some pictures from Petra that we hadn't posted: The theatre at Petra; A family pic at The High Place of Sacrifice; Modern Bedouin Cave (with all the latest security features); Picnic on the way to Crusaders' Fort; Picnic in Wadi Siyagh; Wadi Siyagh near the Spring.