Okay, Jordan is really magical and the world wonder Petra is absolutely amazing

Four letters, one word: wow. I don't often have my heart nearly bursting out of my chest with enthusiasm, but here in Petra, it certainly comes close. Yes, I'm in Jordan, so I thought: I'll take you along digitally right away. Much more fun.

The real travel enthusiasts will know Petra (and those who have seen Indiana Jones or follow Wie is de Mol? will too), but if you think: eh... what? Petra was the Greek name for the capital of the Nabataeans and is actually a kind of surreal fairy tale. The city is located in a gorge in the hills and is carved out of rocks. Almost all the buildings that once stood there are now ruins. And now I stand before that gigantic treasure chamber made of hewn rock and feel very small. Ant-sized small.

Petra is one of the seven new wonders of the world. Just like the Great Wall of China, the Colosseum, Machu Picchu, and the Taj Mahal. But strangely enough, I have the feeling that you hear much less about Petra. Maybe because it is in Jordan and we Europeans find this kind of country a bit ‘more exciting’. Which is actually a shame, because the world has so much beauty to offer if you don't let yourself be guided by what others say and you open yourself up to the charms of the earth.

Jordan is a particularly beautiful Arab country with a rich culture. The showpiece Petra is seen by many as the highlight of their trip, and I understand why. It's strange to realize that the Nabataeans massively carved houses, tombs, and temples out of the rocks and that during its heyday nearly two hundred fifty thousand people lived here. This point was the junction for various trade routes; these people were incredibly wealthy. And now I also feel very rich for a moment. Rich in experience. Rich in zest for life. Sigh.

Then a few tips, in case you're heading that way too:

1. Go early. And I mean early-morning-grumpy-early. Be-there-at-06:00-in-front-of-the-gates-of-Petra-early. You have the world to yourself for a while and can really take awesome photos. Yalla yalla! To be honest: around ten o'clock it gets super crowded and the charm is a bit gone.

2. Do research beforehand. Your experience will be much more interesting if you learn about the history of the ancient city. Floortje Dessing has beautifully captured Petra, but there are also plenty of documentaries and informative travel blogs where experiences are shared. It's also great to book a guide, even if it's just for the morning hours.

3. Skip everything that has to do with horses and donkeys. Pushy guys will try to sell you a ride at the beginning that is supposedly ‘included in the price’, but if you don't leave a ridiculous tip afterward, you'll have trouble. Besides: it's just really sad for the animals. Don't do it. Walking is also much more fun.

4. Make sure to bring enough water. It speaks for itself. Just like sturdy footwear, by the way, because all paths are unpaved. Additionally: food and drinks in Petra are expensive (think three euros for a Coke), so if that's not your thing, a bag with a lunch on the go is a good idea.

5. And finally... Everyone naturally takes the photo in front of the Treasury, but we climbed a bit up the mountain to the right, paid the equivalent of 1 euro 30 for a super quiet spot where a very cheerful Arab welcomed us with a cup of tea and a great view. Perfect picture without tourists: check.

So, now back to Taba, Egypt, for a few days of lounging, sunbathing, sleeping, and snorkeling. Combining a beach with a cultural holiday = TOP.

Credits for photos: Sunfield Photography