Petra, Jordon

Petra was first established sometime around the 6th century BC, by the Nabataean Arabs, a nomadic tribe who settled in the area and laid the foundations of a commercial empire that extended into Syria. The entire city is made of decorated caves carved into the rock faces of a giant gorge. You might recall the famous Treasury in Petra which was used as the "Holy Temple" in Indiana Jones. This is just a small gorge - but such an amazing place. A great place for a headstand!

Baalbek, Lebannon

Baalbek is also known as the City of the Sun. It is located in the beqaa valley (3000 ft above sea level) and holds some of the world's greatest historical and best preserved Roman sites. Its remains include a gigantic complex of Roman temples with the tallest columns ever erected which date back to around 3000 BC.

Damascus, Syria

Damascus has been inhabited as early as 8000 to 10,000 BC. It is due to this that Damascus is considered to be the oldest continually inhabited city in the world. I met some students on a trip from Jordon who wanted to pratice their English and take photos of me because I was the first Canadian they had ever met! (Nothing to do with the headstands!)

Troy, Turkey

Troy (Greek: Τροία Troia) is the legendary city and center of the Trojan War in Anatolia, close to the seacoast in what is now Canakkale province in northwest Turkey. There isn't much left of Troy - just a pile of rocks really - but I thought the mock wooden horse they made was well worth the trip! (Not really folks!)