With just about 4 hours of sleep (thanks to some amazing
fireworks) we were up before the sun and off to the Great Wall. We'd met another couple at the hutong inn where we were staying and teamed up with them for the trip. In order to avoid the crowds at the more touristed sections of the Wall, we headed to the more remote Jinshanling section. Thanks to our indecent departure hour, the holiday, and the frigid weather, we were the first and ONLY people there. I can't imagine when I'll ever be able to say that again in China.
The Wall was truly a sight to behold, winding further than the eye can see, disappearing in to the mountains in each direction. I think Brian would still be there exploring today if I hadn't made him come back with me! He was like a kid who just discovered the
ultimate fort. Jinshanling is the starting point of a 10km walk on the wall; the further you go, the more the condition of the wall deteriorates. I have a sneaky feeling we'll be back.
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| The advantage of group travel--photos of us--together! |
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| Brian the mountain goat in 7th heaven, exploring the greatest fort EVER. |
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| Trailing off in to the distance |
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| Historically correct reenactment of a Mongol invasion |
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| Unexpected little details.. |
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Great Photography!! The great wall is amazing ,can't wait to participate in the next reenactment of the western invasion . DAD
ReplyDeleteThanks Dad! Of course we only had to take a 250+ photos to get these few keepers. In a few more months you and I can have pelican disease competitions all over China!
Deletevery cool pics. Hope you're enjoying Beijing! It's one of my favorite places. :)
ReplyDeleteHi again Myra- Beijing was great! I can't believe how much we crammed in to just 3 fantastic days!
DeleteAmazing pictures, Leslie! Must have been unbelievable to be there! Love to see all the places you're going to!
ReplyDeleteActually, Brian's ancestors came from the southern regions of the feathered steppes, otherwise known as greater Mongolia. The men there were burly and grew thick coarse hair over their bodies, and were reputed to have great prowess with stone weaponry(we were referred to as stone men, and later after settling in northern France tom on the name DeRoche or of the rock). Though many of them were conscripted into kublais khan's army as light infantry, our people could weild arms much larger and heavier over rugged terrain giving an advantage to Khan's armies. Chinese guards used to leave food at the base of every tower for the roving bands of wolves and other scavenging animals believing our people were shape shifters and the kindness would protect their outpost from an attack. Since scaling cold stone with weapons in hand was not easy, our people climbed free hand and attacked like wild beasts, much like the beserkers of Scandinavia whos flesh allegedly could not be peirced by weapons, also reinforcing the myth of the "stone men".
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