The good thing about an organised tour is that you don't have to choose what you'll see out of the many myriad attractions holiday destinations offer.
The slightly less desirable thing about an organised tour is that you don't get to chose the things you see each day.
We started the day at a Jade factory. It was interesting but I wouldn't have chosen to go there myself because the high pressure selling after the tour makes me feel uncomfortable. MGM & I found coffee so we could sit and wait in comfort for the shoppers in the group. The carvings were amazing though.
From the Jade factory we journeyed on to the Great Wall. Now this is a destination of choice. What an amazing place. To build 5000kms of wall to keep the invaders out, 500 years ago i.e. manpower alone and to be able to walk on it still today ... such a priviledge.
As you can see we had foggy again today and it was cold until we started climbing. As we went on clothes came off (remaining decent of course). it was a workout indeed.
The steps are uneven, Some of them were knee high on me, there was a certain amount of concentration involved and some all fours action - so not attractive.
Stairs inside a guard room, clearly not for us to climb.
but these areas were a nice break in the steep climbing.
Our reward for climbing up into the mist was a pic with this monument that says (according to our guide) we've climbed the wall so we're heroes - totally embracing this idea. Also having our photo taken like we're celebrities, pale skin and blue eyes is interesting in this part of the world.
With trembling legs we ventured off around the the Olympic site, another place I probably wouldn't have gone to. It was a bit of a nothing visit we walked around but not into any buildings.
It was nice to follow that up with a traditional tea ceremony. Certain friends of mine would have been in heaven right there!
there was the high pressure selling thing going on after again, but MGM and I did a runner to the bus.
and then we come back to this, hotel living is delightful.
and they bring food right to your room
It's funny, I never really picture the Wall as being steep - which of course it would be, once thought about. What an amazing experience. DEFINITELY a Bucket List worthy event.
ReplyDeleteAnd yes please, bring on the tea ceremony. You do know I'm expecting a recreation when you get home, right?