The Great Wall

Today was the day we visited the Great Wall but first we stopped at a Jade factory. They gave us a presentation and then we could shop - the workmanship and skill for some of the pieces is incredible. We only bought a couple of small pieces as it was extremely expensive.

Then it was onto the Great Wall - it's a bit of a ways out of the city and you travel into the mountains. It's incredibly windy and not what you think. The wall is made of stones that are worn down in the middle which is like walking on sea of pot holes. The temperature wasn't cold but the wind made it feel a lot colder - we had two coats on Sarah to keep her warm and you can't take your stroller on the wall because of the steps and in incline. It is like walking up the side of a wall - some spots are incredibly steep and I was very nervous - luckily Wes was caring Sarah - we only went to three towers which is considered pretty good but between the 2nd and 3rd tower it was so steep I used the handrail to get up as I was worried about slipping and falling - I have no idea how Wes managed on the way down since he was holding Sarah he really couldn't use the handrail - I held it all the way down that section.

As you can see our brave little solider made it to the top - then passed out - she had a nice little sleep all the way down and for a bit in the coffee shop before we left. We stopped at this copper factory to have lunch - it was really good - the guide ordered for everyone and it was a family style - it was really quite good although we didn't try some of it. Then it was time for shopping again. On our way out we got this cute little shot of Sarah between two solider statues.

On the way home Daddy and Sarah had a lot of fun on the bus.