Yosemite Hike - 2011

Saturday, August 16, 2008

IT REALLY IS GREAT!

Day 7 – Fri. August 15, 2008

Today was the day we’ve been talking about for months - We went to The Great Wall of China and it did not disappoint! We traveled by private car with some other USA Vball folks Scott has worked with over the years; Kevin & Barb Twohig from Spokane and Mary Gee and her 18 year old niece Amanda from Piedmont and Sacramento. It was great to be with other Americans for the day and an added bonus, the “tour guide” spoke English too!

We drove for 2 hours north to get to the Wall, specifically the Mutianyu Section. Next we took a cable car up and then walked on a section of "the Wall". We were amazed at the craftsmanship considering it was all done by hand, stone by stone. It was taller than we’d expected and much wider. The watch towers were amazing with various stones used to create archways and doorways. Some parts of the wall we walked were flat while others had small steps so you had to pay attention to your footwork.

On our way up to The Wall

Getting closer...

On the Wall taking pictures ahead and behind us


The route we chose had us walking “down” the Great Wall which was fine for all of us. Shelby lead the charge often walking ahead and proclaimed she wants to walk the entire 4,000 miles of the Wall someday. Barb negotiated with her and they've agreed to walk 3,000 miles of it together!



The real excitement came when it was time to head back down to ground level. We purchased tickets for the toboggan which proved to be everything we had hoped it to be. Adults and kids alike LOVED the ride down!

After "The Wall", we headed to shop at Decathalon, much like a Sports Authority, where we were told by Mary, "You must go!". I never really imagined we would come all the way to China to get Sydney new soccer cleats for 79Yuan (roughly $10 US dollars) or the girls and I rash guards for $7 US dollars.

Check out Scott's cool shopping "cart"

We found ourselves out of Yuan at the end of the day and all banks were closed so changing money was out of the question. Luckily I had an ATM card with me so we were able to get more Yuan for a cab ride home and dinner. We were next to an indoor mall, complete with KFC and Wal Mart so I figured there had to be a food court, right?

Five floors up we found fast food heaven. However, nothing was in English - not so heavenly. It resembled the food court in UTC or Fashion Valley except here you buy a card with a specific monetary denomination to be used at any restaurant of your choice.

I was able to order the girl’s bowls of rice, Scott found something that looked appealing and I wandered around the various spots where you could choose your own meats and veggies and have it turned into a fantastic looking feast. I fared well with the exception of forgetting to take my book and ask; “Bu yao tai la” = Not too spicy! My meal was something for Uncle Todd to devour complete with HUGE red chili peppers. I managed to eat most of it figuring folks at the restaurant were laughing at me. It was the hottest thing I’ve ever eaten and did wonder for my stuffy nose!


Our luck with Taxis has gone progressively down hill. The drivers here have no problem having you get in thier taxi without any indication they have no idea where you need to go! A few times we’ve had people shake their heads at us when we’ve flashed our address and then they’ve driven off. We’re not sure if they don’t know where it is or that they don’t want to go that direction. Who knows, but a "no" is sure better than being driven around aimlessly!

Two things we were told not to expect in Beijing....Blue skies & sunsets.

And even a shot of the moon!


HIGHLIGHTS OF THE DAY: Seeing blue skies, a beautiful skyline during sunset and a full moon in the sky. A taxi driver singing to us in Chinese. We have no idea what he was singing but I do know off key is off key in any language! A great family day! The girls did amazing to/from the Great Wall and during the walk on the Wall. Not once was there a complaint about anything other than not being able to Toboggan down the hill again!

FUNNY FORTUNE STUFF: We weren’t funny today! ;-)

SEEING THINGS DIFFERENTLY: Literally seeing kids squatting in public to do their business – Those split shorts come in handy!

DAILY FAVORITES: Unanimous!!!! Walking on the Great Wall and the toboggan ride down!

OLYMPIC UPDATE: Needless to say we have seen some volleyball and to date the US Teams have a 20-2 record both indoor and beach. The indoor women had been struggling but got a big 5 set win vs. favored China. One more match for indoor women against Poland then the single elimination matches begin until the gold medal matches. The beach teams had to play a single elimination 1st round game and all 4 teams advanced. We will be seeing them in the quarterfinals the next few days.


Favorite sign at the Great Wall. Guess they want you to behave!

So precious!

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