Al-Madras and Al-Barid

The region around Petra harbors a wealth of minor archeological pleasures, but only those within walking or donkey-riding distance are accessible. All roads in this isolated area lead back to the Kings” Highway, not to outlying sites. The peripheral location of the sites is a blessing; outside Petra, imported commercialism has neither altered the Bedouin lifestyle nor chased away wildlife.

A trail branches to your left just past the Obelisk Tomb and just before the entrance to the sic/. The route leads to Al-Madras, an ancient Petran suburb with almost as many monuments as Petra itself. On the way, watch for the short-eared desert hare and a full spectrum of long lanky lizards—purple, fuchsia, and iridescent blue. Come with plenty of water, a snack, and a guide. The round-trip takes four to eight hours.past the Tomb of Sextus Florentinus and the Mughar an-Nasara (Caves of the -Christians), a trail chisels into the rock leading to the northern suburb of Al-Barid.

road passing the new hotel in Wadi Musa also approaches this archeological site. Al-Barid is a curious miniature of Petra, complete with a short siq, several carved tombs and caves. Also off the new road past the hotel is Al-Beidha. Excitement j-uns high among the members of the excavating expedition here because they have uncovered traces of a pre-pottery Neolithic village, a sedentary society dating to the 8th millennium BC. This find would make it, along with Jericho, one of the earliest known farming communities in the world. A Bedouin guide can lead you here via a painless trail (about 3hr. each way). Again, bring an extra JD2-3 or some of your own native trinkets to trade—a ukulele, fuzzy dice, or a mood ring.