Next-level Experience of Petra - Visiting Petra is awe-inspiring. Visiting Petra on horseback created a next level experience. Mohammed scheduled time to meet with us the day before our trip to review the itinerary, showing us on the map the routes we would take, and answering our questions. As novice level horseback riders, he interviewed us to make sure he paired each of us with the right horse. We met at 6:00a just after the gates opened. Mohammed got us up on our respective horses and made sure we were comfortable then provided some instruction and reminders for managing our horses, and we were off. Mohammed was an excellent guide, taking us through the famed section of Petra, and then beyond. As we rode it was clear that our safety, and the safety of the horses, was paramount. We went up a mountain on our horses, and then stopped short of the peak to climb on foot to the tomb of the Prophet Aaron (brother to the prophet Moses). The climb was worth it. At an altitude of 1350 meters, we took in spectacular views in all directions, including a birds eye view of the ruins of a Byzantine church. From there we rode on paths that took us through expansive and less-traveled sections of the area. There are old dwellings everywhere, with various levels of the elaborate carving developed by the Nabatean people, and we saw that the scale of Petra is enormous. We stopped to have a simple lunch prepared by Mohammed’s wife, followed by tea Mohammed brewed for us. After our meal we sat and talked as we took in the views. Mohammed shared photos of his “family” - his horses. It is clear he cares for and takes care of these lovely animals. We intended to go backtrack and exit the park the way we came in, but made a decision to follow a different route. As we traveled along the paths used by the locals in their daily life, and surrounded by the wonders of what the Nabateans created, I asked Mohammed if he still has a sense of awe. He responded yes, and shared that looking on the outside we are missing 75% of what was built. I share this to say that as a guide, Mohammed is sharing something that is meaningful to him. The recommendation is to take two days to see Petra. We had only one and this tour made the most of our time. I would absolutely choose to ride with Mohammed and his beautiful “family” again.