Today we walked many steps to reach the Great Wall of China at Mutianyu. After having trekked about 30 minutes up the mountain, we finally reached the magnificent, awe inspiring wall. We then walked all the way to the first tower. The view was breathtaking and seemed so surreal. Along the way from Beijing to Mautianyu, we had a crash course in the history of the building and purpose of the wall. We listened to stories about the unique fortification serving as a military structure during the ancient times and that twenty dynasties contributed to its construction. The wall runs across a vast territory of China. This happens to be my second of the "Seven Wonders of the World", that I have had a chance to visit. The first being Stonehenge in England.
The walk was the first real bonding day with my new colleagues. We had many chats along the way. Everyone in my group has had some sort of a common international exchange experience, as I have. It made for great conversations. We decide to take the alpine slide or the"chute" as it was referred to here in China, to get back down.
Pearl Market--One of the most unique markets I have ever been to. I was warned in advance to be prepared to negotiate my price. It took a little practice at first. I learned quickly NOT to settle on 1st, 2nd or 3rd offer. After walking away a few times, I was able to settle on a fair compromise. The morale of the shopping lesson at the Beijing Pearl Market is, if you are patient and learn the technique, you are sure to walk away with a bargin or too !!!
Final picture below is the last meal we ate in Beijing, a fully vegetarian meal, it is amazing how the Chinese can disguise tofu in so many ways....:)
Our last adventure of the evening was a to head south west on the high speed train from Beijing to Shijiazhuang. The city Shijiazhuang is comparable to the size of Massachusetts.
Great pictures! Looks like you're having an awesome time!
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