Petra - Rambling in the Rose City

A visit to the ancient city of Petra in Jordan is a highlight of any trip to Jordan.

Making the approach to Petra down the  'siq' - a narrow, winding passageway through the mountains - is an experience in itself, especially when your guide is as entertaining as mine was. Mahmoud's knowledge of 'The Rose City' was matched only by his dazzling array of jokes and anecdotes.

But exploring the siq is a mere prelude to the point where, as you turn that last corner, the Treasury tantalisingly reveals itself.

Seen for the first time, the treasury's carved edifice, hewn from the sandstone rock, is a truly impressive, if strangely familiar sight, having stared out from countless travel guides and brochures  - not to mention Hollywood romps like Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade.

But there's a lot more to Petra than the Treasury. A particular highlight was the visit to the Monastery, made memorable not least for the perilous donkey ride up to the site.

While Mahmoud gagged his way up the mountain, his energy levels buoyed by his 60-a-day cigarette habit and the seven sugars he'd been spooning into his regular cups of tea, I hung on for dear life as my donkey reluctantly slip-slided up the narrow mountain pathway while it looked for a good spot to buck its heavy load over the edge and make a bolt for freedom.

But it was all worth it. Wandering around the Monastery and taking in the amazing panoramas, having topped up my tea levels in the cave café while Mahmoud traded tales and jokes with the other guides, was a truly amazing experience.