The Children of Petra

Locals in Petra were mostly originated from a nomadic tribe known as Bedouin. Since Petra has been commercialized through The NEW Seven Wonders of the World, lot prefer to stay put.

Providing horses and donkey rides through the punishing Petra journey is one of their main sources of incomes. I was shocked to see children as young as 12 to 15 years ago became donkey masters. In this scenes there were around 10 to 20 donkey riders trying to convince three western girls to take a ride in their donkey!

Finally… They just scared all those girls away.

Their too eagerness, dirty clothing and smelly animals explained it all!

While most teenagers ran the show with their horses and donkeys. Men operated café inside Petra itself. This café owner attracted customer by shouting out…

“Come take a rest, drink some coffee!”.

Drinks and food sold were more expensive than the 5star Movenpick Hotel which we stayed in.

All citizen of Petra Town depends on tourism to make a living; the women sell stone, potatoes, souvenirs and etc while looking after toddlers. The living conditions of these children are a sore in the eyes.

This kid must be around 5-6 years old and forced to sell stone under the sun. His emotionless face showed how bored he was. They are taught to say "one dollar... one dollar" whenever any tourist pass by. Those stone they were selling are of none value and can be picked up anywhere within Petra itself. This scene was pitiful but I didnt buy anything because I believe if I do, it would only encourage more children to be exploided.

The children of Petra are a talented bunch!

When I took the picture of this boy holding a baby sheep, he said "give me one dollar, you take my photo!". I am not sure if he goes to school but their education system seems to be more effective than ours, as some of children in rural msia still struggle to speak english. Lillian ask me to give this kid a piece of chocolate but I am reluctant because I was afraid others children will chase after me for more. You know la... just like those stories from china. Now I regretted not giving him because all my snacks spoilt already!

They said children are the future...
So what did children in Petra learn?
One Dollar... One Dollar...
Growing up in this palace, all their learn is to earn a quick buck from tourists through begging, shouting or anyway they could.
It's sad to see that the only joy children had is through the suffering of the animals. I saw several times donkey being hit and punished for no particular reason!
A friend of mine gave these kids a MARS choco bars and they were extremely pleased. These children were taught to "SELL" stone for a dollar and not used to take anything free. These poor children needs help... They should be at school not doing stuff like this!The most amazing incident I saw a western woman give USD10 to one of these children without buying anything from that child. The child was "STUNNED" starring with puzzleness at the woman, unable to understand the woman's action. Petra was magnificient but its children are a sore pitiful sight.
Well... at least we end the day in a high note!
Alfred sang a birthday song while playing organ to Laypeng, she was lucky to be able to celebrate her birthday in Petra!