We started the day with something that was not on the original plan. One of the group members asked Daniel if we were going to see a Panda on this trip. Well, Daniel, in his infinite greatness, scheduled us to stop by the National Zoo in Beijing to take about 30 minutes to see a real Chinese Panda...in China. This was worth the 50 yuan we shelled out to see it.
It was also a national holiday today--the Dragon Boat Festival. The kids were out of school and parents and families were gathered together at the zoo to spend some quality time together. We were told that we would see the same at the Great Wall today. Also, there would be boat races on the lake at the Summer Palace and among other Chinese traditions, dragon boat treats, zongzi, would be made. This is basically sticky rice mixed with some sweet sort of nut or fruit (a red bean perhaps) and wrapped up in bamboo leaves. Little did we know that later we would experience this festive little treat at a home in Beijing.But for now, we were off to the Great Wall!
There are several different places that have been restored for the public along the Great Wall. Our tour guide took us out to Badaling, a quaint little section. Built around it are restaurants and souvenir shops. Daniel took us up to the entrance of the wall and passed us through a gate. We all had our pictures made there and then he informed us that we could walk up the wall two ways: hard and harder. The harder part would probably be less crowded. Since I had my fill of crowds yesterday, I decided I would head up the harder part of the wall. After all, how hard could it be?
Holy cow! I think at one point, I could have used a harness and a rope. Being an overweight, out of shape American, this was tough. But I kept going. The views were amazing!
I was also climbing along with a tour buddy, Ibby, and we kept getting stopped to have our pictures taken with total strangers. As it turns out, we were a rare sight to see out here for some of the Chinese people with our light skin and blonde hair and blue eyes. We stopped several times to try to communicate with these folks and pose for pictures. The people out here on the wall were so friendly. AND there were no vendors trying to sell us anything. This place was almost Chinese heaven.
We were getting quite hungry so we headed back down the wall to the shops and restaurants. There was a place called California Beef and Noodle which appeared to be the most Chinese place of them all (as far as fast food goes). Inside we found more of our group so we all sat at one big table and ordered noodles and dumplings. The whole meal cost me $33 yuan which was roughly $5.22.
Then it was time to shop for jade and souvenirs. I must say that most shops around here are somewhat overpriced but the goods are quality. I bought my first piece of jade here, a bracelet, and a few other “teacher” items.
This part was pretty long, so I will continue this day on another posting. Coming up: tea tasting/ceremony and a rickshaw ride through the Hutong area!
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| entrance gate to the Great Wall |
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