The Great Wall of China
A few weeks ago Dan and I piled into a van with friends and headed to the Great Wall. I had been really looking forward to our visit, which we purposely postponed until fall to avoid the intense summer heat. The wall was originally built to protect northern China from invasions by various nomadic tribes. Today numerous sections are open to tourists; our group opted for a lesser-crowded part called Mutianyu.
Although we awoke to rain, the fog had mostly lifted by the time our van pulled into the site's parking lot. We meandered past colorful booths and food stands to buy our entrance tickets, then hopped on a chair lift up the mountain. Views from the lift were breathtaking: The wall snaked high above, mountains blanketed below, and villages hummed in the distance.
Exploring the Great Wall was full-body intensive. In certain areas, climbing the stairs is a workout that makes Stairmaster pale in comparison. I had dressed for a cool fall day, but continued to shed layers while huffing and puffing up the steep steps. As we wandered, we passed many lively characters: a woman running, a man singing to the heavens, and a vendor offering us beer. With each step I marveled at what an enormous physical feat building the wall and watchtowers truly was – incredible! One of the best parts of our trip was sliding down the mountain in a toboggan. Officials positioned at various points along the track shouted at us to slow down, but we rarely obeyed for long.
All in all, an awesome day. I’ll let the pictures speak for themselves!
Wow, I bet this was stunning in real life! I've always wanted to visit the Great Wall more than any other place in China. How great that you were able to do such 'civilized sightseeing'!
By the way, I read a while back in the NY Times that China is revamping its signs throughout the country, due to all the criticism it has received for its unique phrasing of words. I was so disappointed to hear this as one of the greatest joys in traveling is reading all the quirky translations on signs! I really hope you guys still get to appreciate all these signs, not only for their humor value, but also because they tend to reflect a lot about the local language.
Thanks Katherine. The wall and its surroundings are truly stunning. Yep, our sightseeing was most civilized – until getting on the toboggan!
You’re right about sign translations (often) reflecting the local language. Even though many signs in China have been revised, I still come across plenty that make me smile. I just saw one in a bathroom stall kindly asking users not to “make the pipes awkward.”
Ann
Wonderful, wonderful Ann!!
What spectacular pictures, Ann! I did break out in a cold sweat when I saw you on the toboggan–that looked crazy. Thanks for sharing your wonderful blog with us–you give us a clear view of China through the eyes of a Minnesotan. Love, Jill
We weren't brave enough to slide down the toboggan. The great wall is quite amazing and so typical of everything the Chinese do. For instance, the thousands of terracotta soldiers buried in Xian, or even the the opening ceremonies for the Olympics. It sounds like you are enjoying China.
Interesting point, Carolyn – many things are done on a grand scale in this country…
And thanks for your comment Jill. Happy to share China through the lens of my Midwestern roots. (Oh – that’s not actually me on the slide!)
xo – Ann
Amazing! That was quite an experience. I love the pictures.
Hi Ann
I always want to go to eastern countries especially Tibet to trace some hidden unconscious mind implants of my past lives. i think everyone has it own historical feeling to any places and locations around the world.
Your trip seemed to be full of wonders behind the scenes.
did you feel to follow such a trace in your hidden memory? How was it?
I’d Like to hear it.
In Spirit,
Ae Ne An
Hi Ae Ne An,
What a thoughtful comment – thank you. I have felt a profound connection to China since the day I arrived. Whether or not this is related to past lives, I can’t say. I do know that I love this country and its people in the present. But the timing of your comment is synchronous. A few days ago I attended a presentation about foot binding. This was particularly agonizing as I have always had a strange aversion to feet. That night my husband and I were half-joking about the possibility that I once lived as a Chinese woman with bound feet – then I awoke the next morning to read your words!
I truly hope you get a chance to visit the countries that call to you, especially Tibet…
Peace to you,
Ann
Hi Ann
It was really a Coincidence subject in what i had said and what you had attended there!
I liked the way it happend to you and the dialogue with your husband about a past life such a chinese woman. it was not an accident.
I think this is your wonderful art that can link between the golden wisdom and current events.
In Spirit,
Ae Ne An
hey wow nice pictures ann