Jordan in August is hot.The Dead Sea averages 100 degrees,and Aquba is often 120 degrees.Petra is hot but has wonderful mountain breezes and plenty of cool shade in the seik(a large narrow mountainous passageway that leads to both the treasury and to wide valleys which might remind you of the grande canyon if not for all the ancient cliff dwellings and tombs) and amongst the ancient cliff dwellings.
In Petra,the people ..called Bedoin..still live near by the famous ruins,and make a living selling their homemade jewelry,rugs and other beautiful crafts.The often invite tourists to sit with them by their craft stands in the site itself to drink tea.They are beautiful people who deserve the upmost respect.They have been there for so long..I cannot even say exactly .Thousands of years perhaps.The treasury is the most beautiful ancient ruin of all.It is made of pink sandstone.
Interestingly,in the town of Petra,outside the mountainous ruins,is unique in its own way.Steep streets ,mysterious dwellings,and many late night communal gatherings .They drink tea,play arabic music and seem so far removed from the western world and the chaos we have inherited from being born here.Its truly another world,despite the trappings of tourism and the need the locals have for it.
Not everything was perfect about Petra.Many men desperately depend on tourism for survival.These people are not the Beduoin,but local townspeople.They are kind enough to tourists,if not slightly pushy..for obvious reasons.It is kind to patronize these tourguides in turn..for what is a vacation to you is a livelihood to them.
I have much more to share regarding Petra and Jordan in general.Stay tuned.