A Big Day.....

6 o’clock rise and breakfast then ready for our big day to the Wall! The tour guide arrived and we were taken on a mini bus with only 2 others a Dutch doctor and a teacher from the US. We visited the Ming Tombs in the foothills of the Dragon and Tiger Mountains and learnt about the Ming Emperors who were buried there and how the Chinese government are being careful in how and when they open up the tombs.  It took us about an hour by bus to get there; it took the emperors 10 days to get there by horse and back. They used to go there to offer sacrifices to their ancestors, concubines who did not bear children were sacrificed to the ancestors each year.

Off again in the bus to a jade factory to see artisans in action as well as the big sell. At least here we knew what was real A grade and which was not. Lunch was provided then off to the Wall.  Hundreds of buses and thousands of people were planning to do the same as us! We arrived and were in awe of the enormity of the Wall. It was so steep but so inspiring, We made our way up to our starting point and walked and walked. The views were brilliant and we thought about the million people who built this wall throughout various dynasties, especially all of those who died doing it. It was very hard work at the section we were at. Many gave up at the first Tower but not us! The Doctor and the 3 of us  kept going, the inclines were very steep and Sarah and Andrew ventured off a bit further on while the doctor and I admired the strength and endurance of the Chinese!

Later that day we heard that it was 40o+ in Beijing the hottest day in 58 years!!! What a day to walk the Wall. It was worth it, the breeze up there was fine and as we made our made way back we stopped off at a Chinese Medicine Facility to have a traditional Foot Massage.Bliss!! They also made a quick diagnosis of each of us by taking pulses and looking at tongues. We did not buy the medicine they prescribed.  Back to Beijing into the lobby. Then showers and off to dinner with Adrian.Chinese of course!!  

Later we went to the Silk Markets which sold everything except real brands, a real experience at bargaining as well as hailing a taxi. After much dispute and being totally ripped off we found a driver who was a little bit reasonable. So Beijing had so much going for it except the taxi drivers.