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| Where is that camel? |
In honor of the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta that is going on back in Nuevo Mexico, this traveling Ranger from postal zip code 87508 (& Eldorado @ Santa Fe) is thinking about multi-modal travel (and how much longer we’ll have postal zip codes and a post office delivery system as things evolve).
I’ve seen from some Republicans for Environmental Protection chatter via e-mail this week that the Rail Runner (train between Belen [Bethlehem] south of ABQ to Santa Fe [aka Fanta Se-land]) is trying to survive in these tight economic times. The State has been cutting near-to-the-bone, and corporate sponsorships might be around the corner. Not a bad idea in some corners, but can you imagine: State Historic Preservation Officer (sponsored by the Uranium Producers of America), State Archaeologist (sponsored by the Recreational Off-Highway Vehicle Assn.), or the New Mexico’s Historic Architect (sponsored by the law firm of Tearem, Down & Newbuild).
In 2007 the Al-Khazneh (Treasury) was the site of a balloon launch, and there were hopes to have an Int’l Balloon Festival at Wadi Rum (another of Jordan’s spectacular World Heritage Sites) the following year. It was apparently postponed. Having seen a similar event back home for a couple of decades I must admit it would be visually spectacular to have Wadi Rum as a venue for mass ascensions. It would be logistically challenging, making it ever more special, and something tells me the descendants of people that built water delivery systems that even the Romans couldn’t later improve on are bound to give it a “good show.”. Maybe it can get-off-the-ground in time for the Star-Trek theme amusement park being planned for Aqaba. That could be an interesting transportation continuum: foot-camel/donkey-balloon-starship.
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| Royal Tombs & Basin |
The number of feet and hooves/pads that have trod this area is remarkable. The Petra area (also experiencing financial challenges) is home to ca. 30,000 people at present (roughly, equivalent to the vicinity at its height some 2,000 years ago with suburbs). With modern conveyances assisting, one wonders about the impacts and carrying capacity of humans and their stock on water, sanitation, agriculture, etc. I’m sure I’ll again be thinking about these throughout my stay here this time (scheduled to be the month of Oct.- Inshallah)
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