Been there, seen it, climbed inside it - it's fantastic, and huge doesn't come near a description. Considering this was hand carved using iron - not steel or CTC tipped chisels, scaffolding that was trees and branches lashed together hundreds, nay thousands of years before Christ...
There is plenty of water there, I got so hot walking the mile or so back to the entrance to the canyon, I poured water over myself 'til I was dripping - and by the time I reached the entrance, I was dry again
Have always wanted to see this - I've read that you can still faintly smell the fragrances used in the mortar or plaster inside. Probably not a good idea to visit right now.
drawback
Nov 26, 2015
I don't recall, from some 8 years in the past, any fragrances there, except that inside it smelt somewhat damp and musty with an overlaying smell of - well, for want of a better word, staleness. Outside, it smelt of hot desert - a indescribable smell you have to experience personally, but once smelt you'll recognise it again instantly. Oh, and sweaty camels (I'm being polite with the word 'sweaty') and camel pooh.
However, go up to the Monastery at the top of the mountain behind it - around 3, 500 feet - there is a stone staircase cut into the mountain all the way to the top - (I didn't bother to count the number of steps) and the air is cooler and fresher, and you get a fantastic view of...well desert.
Seriously, I'm glad I got the chance to see it when I did, 'coz once the Islamist Scumbags take over Jordan, its gone for good.
aknan
Nov 27, 2015
That's one of my fears, drawback. We've already lost so many important cultural and historic sites to war.
I agree with you about the smell of the desert. It is unique and unforgettable.
I didn't notice the donkey until I saw your comment. I tried looking on Wikipedia for the size of facade, but there wasn't any information. It appears to be huge.
Enjoyed yet another puzzle, but where are the rider's?
Thank you team for this one, must be thirsty in the desert, perhaps ther is a bar inside or maybe a milk bar.
There is plenty of water there, I got so hot walking the mile or so back to the entrance to the canyon, I poured water over myself 'til I was dripping - and by the time I reached the entrance, I was dry again
However, go up to the Monastery at the top of the mountain behind it - around 3, 500 feet - there is a stone staircase cut into the mountain all the way to the top - (I didn't bother to count the number of steps) and the air is cooler and fresher, and you get a fantastic view of...well desert.
Seriously, I'm glad I got the chance to see it when I did, 'coz once the Islamist Scumbags take over Jordan, its gone for good.
I agree with you about the smell of the desert. It is unique and unforgettable.
Thank you team for this one, must be thirsty in the desert, perhaps ther is a bar inside or maybe a milk bar.