Here we are at the start, Sherry took the required picture of us before we started off.
From the start point one chooses to go either north, the easier and busier route, or to the south, the steeper, less traveled route. We chose to go to the south. This picture is looking to the north.
This shot shows a small part of the section we hiked.
Here's one of the stairs. Notice the height of the riser. Climbing sections like this felt more like a ladder than steps. The recently fallen snow didn't make the hike easier either, but it did add to the beauty of the wall and surroundings.
I couldn't resist the opportunity to help clear the way. I'd imagine not all that many Canadians have shoveled snow off The Great Wall of China. :o)
On the drive back to the hotel we passed this building. I think it's perhaps the most unique office tower I've ever seen and the video screens on 4 sides make it that much more interesting.
We also drove past the Birdsnest, the venue for much of the 2008 Olympics. Our plan is to visit there tomorrow.
Last picture for today, this is the view of the street looking out from our hotel window.
Observations today:- Beijing is an expensive city. My guess is the cost of living here is significantly higher than Winnipeg.
- There's no shortage of people to fill sales jobs. In most of the places we stopped there is at least one salesperson not just hovering, but pressuring at all times.
- There must not be rules against panhandling or street vendors ... and they don't accept NO Thanks ... one has to just walk away ... rude but necessary, and it does take away from the overall experience.
- The sky is always hazy, and Beijing is described as a "hi-tech" city. We're wondering what a more industrial city looks like.
That's it for now.
2 comments:
It's a good thing you were there to shovel... I bet its been a while since they've had someone help who was so experienced. :)
Where did the shovel come from? Quite sure you didn't have space or weight to bring that little gem along - even if it was the fold-up variety?
Cool pictures - I'm sure the view was spectacular!
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