Snow and ice cancel trip

THURSDAY 4th

Oh dear another day of sun, cloud and wind and no-one is rushing to the sun beds by the Sculpture pool. Heading to breakfast we saw a large unsigned notice on the Longwoods' desk stating 'Petra trip cancelled due to snow and ice in Petra.' We assumed it was a joke but once we were settled by the pool we heard a couple of our neighbours talking. It was true as they were supposed to be on it. It has been rescheduled for Saturday. For a change we can see the mountains of Saudi quite clearly which doesn't look good as while we have had decent weather the country has been in a haze - or is that too much red wine! The wind was cold today and we kept our clothes on. We took a stroll and found some people preferred to be on the beach but again huddled behind the wind breaks.

We had fish and chips in 'Breeze' for lunch. The portion is quite adequate, and served in a cone of paper set in a spiral metal container, so we don't feel too guilty. Two ladies had remained outside to have their coffees. The waiters failed to remove the crockery and the container of packets of sugar so this table was soon covered in sparrows and the larger black birds.

Margaret and Stuart joined us for dinner at the 'Flying Carpet' taking the 7.30 taff taff to downtown. It was really cold hanging around the hotel entrance as the bus seemed to be running late. It wasn't, it just changes times in the evening and not really running to schedule according to the driver. These taff taffs are open buses and the speed we were travelling made it feel even colder. At least we had our fleeces but Margaret only had a thin denim jacket. At least the restaurant was warm and welcoming and the food excellent. But again we had to hang around in the cold by the steps leading to 'Three Corners Hotel' for the 10.30 bus. At least the cloud has disappeared and the stars are visible. Looking over to Saudi we could made out the line of cloud where the moon was struggling to make an appearance.

We arrived at 'On the Rocks' for a nightcap just as the 'Fram' young entertainment team were finishing their show. The music playing was 'Riverdance' but they were not doing Irish dancing.