Detours

STONE SCULPTURE There are so many awe-inspiring architectural delights in Petra that it would be easy to bypass the Monastery, thinking, what's one more building carved into solid rock? But for those willing to take the hour-long trek up 1,000-plus stone steps, the ancient Nabataeans have prepared a wondrous reward. The decorative faade, carved into a solid chunk of yellow sandstone in the 3rd century B.C., rises 45 meters above the ground. If the hike through rock canyons and past stunning vistas is a little tortuous, a small, Bedouin-run caf offering cold drinks and chairs awaits at the top. For those...

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