We managed to book a trip through the Dong Fang Hotel manager. It was a very early start and we knew it would be cold up there. Think it was minus 2 or 3 degrees when we left at 7.30 am. It took us until about 9 am to collect all the other tourists at different hotels around the city. At least we had a good look at the city from the coach. I'll never cease to be amazed by the number of bicycles and the way they manage to negotiate the traffic and the hugely wide junctions. All through the city of Beijing I was trying to take note of landmarks and road names in the hope that I would remember them for another day out. (By the way, it did not work)
Unfortunately on these trips it is a Government requirement that we take in one or two stops on the way. The first one being the Medical Centre where Chris and I were of the same mind. All we were there for was so we could have our blood pressure taken and be diagnosed with something we didn't have and then be offered some pills or powders of the 'natural' ilk to cure us. We decided not to be 'cured'. Our next stop was the Jade shop. More like a huge department store where you were followed around by at least one salesperson and almost forced to have your hand covered in a plastic bag so you could try on a bangle. I must admit the Jade was beautiful but oh so very expensive.
Next was lunch at the restaurant behind the Jade shop. A very good lunch too - but we still had not seen what we came for.
At last, we were off again to the Great Wall. This was the experience I had dreamt about since Chris first told me about the trip and I was determined to make the most of it.
When we finally stopped all I could think was 'How on earth do we get up there". Soon found out. The way up was on what I can only describe as electric sledges which were all individual. We were fastened in, just like on the rides at the fun-fair. It didn't look too safe but it was fine.
I was busily looking down and thinking 'this does not look too sturdy' whilst Chris was having fun with his camera.
Finally reached the part of the wall where we would begin the walk. We had a couple of hours and spent ages snapping as many views as we could - it was totally mind-blowing. Just a word of warning, this stretch of the Great Wall is very, very busy and it is difficult to make a lot of headway in some parts. There are so many budding photographers blocking the way - should not say anything as we were two of them.
It was freezing all day and the wind did not help. Chris ( photo above) looked as though he was suffering with the wind. He refused to buy a Davy Crockett hat before we set off! I was not too bad though looking extremely windswept. Regardless, I was in a place I never thought to see and the whole experience was brilliant. The sky was - dare I say it - China blue and as clear as a summer's day. Not a cloud to be seen. The thought passed through my mind of how dreadful it would be to go all that way and not be blessed with the great weather that we had.
Walking the Wall is quite strenuous so be certain you are properly shod before setting off. It's not the amount of walking but the fact that the Wall is up and down and quite steep in parts. Some of the steps are shallow but others are very deep so you can't get a rhythm going with your strides. My gosh, I knew I had calves by the time we finished.
Unfortunately the walk had to end and we returned to the coach extremely cold but exhilarated by all that we had seen.
Our guide was good enough to have us dropped off in the city as there were 4 of us on the bus wanting to try the traditional style Chinese dumplings. Being tourists where she left us was not really what we wanted - more of a fast food chain in the style of MacDonalds - never mind - we did try!
Tired as we were, the thought of more Chinese food drew us towards Wangfujing Street - how we found it I will never know, it appeared from nowhere. More food! It was fascinating and so very different. Just had to try more dumplings - deliciously deep fried which were a vast improvement on the 'fast-food' type. Had to try the Banana fritters as well - pleased I am not a calorie counter.
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