The horse boy in Petra

[thugulike]

I am due to visit Petra soon and have been advised that I need to tip the horse boy. Does that mean I am going to ride a horse? Anybody been?

[SteveD]

No, you don't have to ride a horse - you can walk through the Siq to the site. Petra is huge and some people spend one or more nights there. I guess that you will visit the main parts in a day (it is fascinating and not to be missed).

You might find that it is very hot and you may welcome the offer of a horse ride back up the Siq to your coach - in which case you will have to pay (check with your guide how much is appropriate).

We went to Jordan the week after 9/11 and found that many tourists had cancelled. This was great for us because the tourist sites were far from crowded. It was sad because the people are very friendly and they need the tourists. I hope this hasn't happened again; it's a remarkable country.

[jno]

as I recall, the siq - a path between high rock walls - is about a mile long. It's not impossibly steep but having a horse under you might take the weight off your feet (and your wallet).