Beijing and the Great Wall 22.9.13

Bill is most unwell this morning so will spend the day in bed while I go to see the Great Wall. An early start, 7.15 am for  the 2hrs 20 min drive to the Mutianyu section of the Great Wall but the early start was worth it because very few people were there.  There was a freezing cold wind and it was spotting with rain.  A very grey day and not much good for photos. We took the cable car up the steep hill to the wall and began walking along it. Quite hard work, lots of steep up and downs and many many steps.  Heather Lamb lent me a plastic poncho as I didn't have a warm enough coat with me.  Thank you Heather.  You made my day much more pleasant than it would have been otherwise.  We inspected the Ming Dynasty guard towers  and enjoyed the views over the surrounding mountains.  The Great Wall is one of the 7 wonders of the world and was commenced 2000 years ago. It was built as a defence to keep out invaders and covers several thousand kilometres.  We had a late but lovely lunch in a restaurant at the base of the wall.  On the way down I purchased a new walking stick, sprung etc, for about $10.  Back to the hotel about 4.15pm and found Bill feeling much better. We went out for a stroll and marveled at the sweet and shoe shops.

Cable Car up to the Great Wall

 

View of the mountains the Great Wall crosses

 

View of the Great Wall and some of the many steps

 

Steps to the roof of a guard house

 

Interior of a guard house.                                                        Had hot chips at MacDonalds.  Bought some bananas and canned peaches for dinner.  Bill still weak.