QUIST-ARCTON: There's the Great Wall of China, Petra in Jordan, Christ the Redeemer - the Statue in Brazil - Machu Picchu in Peru, Chichen Itza in Mexico, the Coliseum in Rome and the Taj Mahal in India.

NPR: West African Drug Trade, War of Words in Sudan

And while Sarkozy gapes at the awe-inspiring ruins of Petra in Jordan, accompanied by his new girlfriend Bruni, the presidential palace is preparing itself for a battle to win back the nation's confidence.

FORBES: The Honeymoon Is Over For Sarkozy

Torrential rain and increasing snowfall are paralyzing much of the country, and most government and public offices in Jordan are closed Wednesday, the state-run Petra news agency said.

CNN: STORY HIGHLIGHTS

But the weather cleared enough for him and his delegation to make the hour-long flight across Jordan's rugged landscape, arriving in Petra under bright sunshine.

NPR: Obama Ends Mideast Trip With Tour Of Ancient Petra

Jordan is home to four World Heritage Sites: Petra, Quseir Amra, Um er-Rasas, Wadi Rum Protected Area, as well as the Cultural Space of the Bedu in Petra and Wadi Rum, inscribed on the list of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.

UNESCO: OFFICE IN AMMAN