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Jandy and Dave were all dressed up for an anniversary last night and drinking Veuve Cliquot. Then John and Vonny tipped up in evening dress. I wore the usual jeans but borrowed a jacket. It was supposed to be Gala Night but I have emails from MSC saying dress is optional and a suit is not required, so I didn't pack one. The girls, Lorraine, Jan and Sylvia were all togged up. They had several bottles of champagne and I managed a bottle of Penfolds Rawsons for the second night ruunning and then forgot to go for my midnight walk. This morning was supposed to be an early start, but my mobile clocked onto a network one hour ahead of boat time. So I was up very much earler than required and my room breakfast was late so I scoffed and ran to the bus waiting to take us to Petra. We trekked for 3 hours with a short stop at a tourist-trap shop and loo. Eventually we arrived at the Petra bus park and headed off behind Mustapha carrying paddle number 8. We strode down the gully for a kilometre or so and then saw the party piece temple. Most of the rest was well worn stone, with a cave or two and some carvings. Somewhere in this process I lost Mustapha and the other 7 in my party. Worrying about no passport and no cash, I waited 20 minutes for someone to show up and then decided I must go and find the bus before 3pm when it leaves. I reckoned 2 hours would be enough time to find it, but the route back was all uphill and the track was poorly levelled Roman flags and stony gravel. The temperature is 28 but there is shade, but overall it has to be 3km. After about 25 mins walk I am touched on the shoulder by John who is also somewhat misplaced. We agree to proceed to the bus, stoppinjg for lunch which was pre-booked if we had time. After 5 minutes Jandy and Vonny appeared with an electric cart and Jandy left us to take a ride to the top - rescue !! Near the top Vonny goes off to pay a man with Mastercard and seems ages. Eventually John and I worrying that she has been sold for 3 camels went off to find her. We then got taken right back to the entrance in good time for lunch. Jandy turned up on a donkey and Dave soon after on a horse. We started lunch and eventually Jan and Sylvia arrived having also come by both donkey and horse chariot. What a shambles, excellent lunch though and a good time was had by all. But 3 hours back to the boat and everyone is trashed. We go our separate ways for dinner. |
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