We started with a 45 minute bus ride to a jade factory. It was really interesting to learn about the different types of jade and to see some amazing pieces carved out of one solid piece, such as this boat:
Mom and I each got a jade piece for our 'wire' necklaces. You will never guess what I got? A flip-flop, of course!
Next we went to Juyong Guan section of the Great Wall.
On our way, our tour director explained that there is not any air pollution in China - only fog. Because it is so humid, there is a lot of fog. (He also told us there were not any factories in China either)
Anyway, upon arrival at the Great Wall, we could barely see it due to the 'fog'. This part was very disappointing because not only could we not see it very well, the photos didn't come out well either.
We had 2 hours on our own to climb up to 5 towers. Mom and I figured we would reach at least 2. Until we got to the base. Oh my God! It was a good 3/4 of a mile to the first tower and it was completely straight up hill. To make matters worse, each step was a different height. One would be 6 inches up, the next 18, the next 12, then next 8, etc. So you had to concentrate on your feet and not the surroundings.
It varies in width as well. Tons of people stopping along the way. The railing was covered in other people's sweat which completely grossed me out. Due to my fear of falling and breaking arms/wrists, I had to suck it up and hang on to the railing. The other fun part is the height of the railing varies as well, so sometimes you are bent over hanging on to it.
Even though it was early morning, it was insanely hot & humid! By the time I made it to the first tower, I was dripping with sweat. I don't think I have ever been so hot in my life.
On our way, our tour director explained that there is not any air pollution in China - only fog. Because it is so humid, there is a lot of fog. (He also told us there were not any factories in China either)
Anyway, upon arrival at the Great Wall, we could barely see it due to the 'fog'. This part was very disappointing because not only could we not see it very well, the photos didn't come out well either.
We had 2 hours on our own to climb up to 5 towers. Mom and I figured we would reach at least 2. Until we got to the base. Oh my God! It was a good 3/4 of a mile to the first tower and it was completely straight up hill. To make matters worse, each step was a different height. One would be 6 inches up, the next 18, the next 12, then next 8, etc. So you had to concentrate on your feet and not the surroundings.
It varies in width as well. Tons of people stopping along the way. The railing was covered in other people's sweat which completely grossed me out. Due to my fear of falling and breaking arms/wrists, I had to suck it up and hang on to the railing. The other fun part is the height of the railing varies as well, so sometimes you are bent over hanging on to it.
Even though it was early morning, it was insanely hot & humid! By the time I made it to the first tower, I was dripping with sweat. I don't think I have ever been so hot in my life.
"Base" where I started in foreground; 1st tower at the top of photo
The bonus was inside the first tower, someone had peed - so when you finally get to your resting place, it wreaked of urine.
The way down was just as difficult as the ascent. Again, with the steps being different heights, you have to constantly watch your step. And even though you are going down, it's still hard work!
V iew from 1st tower looking down
It was a bitch, but I did it!
Only two of the 19 people on our tour made it past the 1st tower.
After the Great Wall, we went to a Cloisonne Workshop. It's where they turn copper pieces into vases and such. Amazing artistry!
While there, we had lunch. Well, everyone else did - I picked at some rice and onions.
That was followed by visiting the Ming Tombs. Here we saw amazing hand carved statues of guards and animals.
That was followed by visiting the Ming Tombs. Here we saw amazing hand carved statues of guards and animals.
We had about two hours back at the hotel and then went to the Peking Opera. Which is not at all like the Opera we think of. It is a lot of miming. The girl sings, but it's very different. The facial expressions and makeup were incredible though. It was an hour in length - which the group decided was about 55 minutes too long!
Upon returning, we packed for our flight on Monday and went to bed.
No comments:
Post a Comment