I left Amman yesterday morning and, well, much too much to say about what's happened over the last two days to really use this time effectively. It's not that words fail me, but that so much has happened. I expect to be spending solo time here in Petra/Wadi Mousa, Jordan....seeing the colorful Nabataen ruins and enjoying the meditative time in the orange/red sandstone hills. BUT, life had other plans for me. 

When I entered Petra, a number of guides approached me wanting to rent me horses, camels, rides, etc......all because that's how they make a living. Choosing the untrodden path, the road less traveled, I wanted to go down a Wadi (a rock-strewn path where water floods down slot canyons through the rocks and canyons, in many places, no wider than an arms reach). I thought this was the time to choose a guide to help me through this untrodden path....so I asked the first person I saw. And, behold....Higher Power had other plans for me. 

Mahmood was not only my guide, but we talked about spiritually, parents, etc....all the way down the canyon walls. By the time we finished and joined the larger group in the more traditional paths at the end of this one, I was invited to meet his family and parents for dinner. From that moment on, my world here in Wadi Mousa has been one of an adopted member of his extended family....parents, uncles, children, etc. We sat and talked as more family members casually arrived. Five of us men hiked through the hills, with freshly slaughtered chickens, yogurt, lemons, and chai and proceed to barbecue in the starlit hills. We laughed and sang and enjoyed fellowship. 

A Family in Wadi MusaThese were the people that welcomed me into their home, their family, for food, prayers, conversations, nestling infants, and exchanging spirit beyond language.

Today, his father and family cooked me Mansaf, a traditional dinner of alot of rice with nuts, laden with chicken on top and strewn with yogurt/milk soup poured on top. You take crepe-like bread and just scoop it up with your fingers and eat...while on the floor. 

Bedouin Woman in Petra CaveAs I was hiking down the steep and narrow path from El Deir ("The Monastery"), I spotted this woman ready to offer me tea and a cigarette. Passing on the latter, I sat cross-legged in the cave-opening, sipped her sage-flavored tea and gave her an offering for gratitude.

So much more that has happened...and it's all possible because I am present and not so strict with myself about what to do and when to do it. Mahmood and I have been everywhere and, tomorrow morning, I'm speaking with some English students at the university to give them an opportunity to practice English with an American and to talk about all kinds of things. 

Petra Ruins

Then my final evening tomorrow in Wadi Mousa will be by his uncle's home for another traditional and different meal. Amazing. New families. New friends. What a holiday! 

View from within the Siq