The way from Aqaba to Petra was hilly, mostly ups. Though they were gradual, my spoiled legs complained again. But it was worth coming. The scenery was vast and the ruins were magnificent.
The view over the steep valley at the end of the route was especially great. As I heard bells of sheep moving far below the rock on which I was standing, I looked down the clif trying to find them. But I felt my knees so weak and had to step back.
Ramadan has begun. No wonder people in a restaurant were busy cleaning in the afternoon yesterday. Touristic restaurants were still open during the day in Petra. But they were expensive, and vacant. Shops were open. I could get water and snacks at least.
I thought of going to Dead Sea after Petra. But a trouble happened on my bike. As I felt strange vibration while riding, I found a big crack on the rim of the rear wheel. Breaks caused it over 20000km. Metal can be that thin by rubber. I had to give up the plan to Dead Sea and took the shortest route to Amman by a highway.
I wasn't sure if I would be able to find a good bicycle shop in Amman that could change the wheel. I'd hardly seen anyone on a bike in Jordan. Otherwise I could go to Israel since I read about a good mechanic there. But then, I wouldn't be able to enter Syria and would have to fly to Turkey...
I could see the crack was getting longer while riding. I just hoped I would be able to reach Amman for the present.
22 Aug 2009, Petra, Jordan, 22189km
