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| Tourism Police & Park Ranger |
Today was scheduled to be “our last patrol” of Petra. With temperatures peaking in mid-to-upper 70’s (F) and blue skies we said some good-byes to old & new friends. “When will you be back?” we heard many times; that is certainly a “who knows” question and the “inshallah” (“God willing”) factor. It sounds like things could be getting “very interesting” here as we heard that underage vendors were throwing rocks and firing sling-shots at park features today, then cursing the authorities. This appeared to be the busiest day with visitors this month. The Tourism Police & local authorities will likely be pro-active with them and the donkeys (running amok also on cultural resources) in the near future. Tomorrow we’re headed to Wadi Rum Nature Reserve tomorrow to see if our experiences, skills & talents can assist them in any way. We’ve heard that USAID is interested in helping the management of World Heritage Sites here in Jordan, so we’ve been brushing up on the Operations Guide for same (see below link).
You might recall, last spring we noted the cats of Petra were exalted and numerous (April 20th post). This trip we’ve noticed a marked increase in the population of Canis lupus familiaris (dogs). Yesterday, Bill counted 14 running around, resting or lifting-their-leg (doing K9 things) between the location of the former Ranger Kiosk and shops at the stairway to the High Place of Sacrifice (ca. 1/4-mile). They seem to give visitors little regard (like their Feline friends [“the garbage can guards”] here), but that could easily change into “nuisance dog” status if they get habituated to, or dependent on, visitor attentions. As for now, they add to the historic scene, and of course future cultural deposits.
On the World Series front: as a longtime Ranger I say "Go Rangers!" As a lifelong National League fan (and admirer of the tradition of the guys from St. Louis) I say: "Go Cards!" At this point I'm hoping it'll go 7-games so I might be able to watch one (due to get home very late 29th of Oct., Inshallah).
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| dog using available shade (photo by Bill Wade) |
I know you are sad to be leaving. Petra becomes a part of you. It occupies a place in your heart and soul that is hard to explain, but for those of us, lucky enough to be a small part of it, it is easy to understand.
ReplyDeleteThere are some great people there that are great friends and they will not forget you.
safe travels