An early start had us on the road to the Mutianyu region of the Great Wall by 8:30. The drive took us out of Beijing towards the mountains, and then through an area that could have been mountain resort area pretty much anywhere. Hotels, restaurants, trout fishing, stores, etc lined the road for miles. Ultimately we ended up at a point of the mountain where we took a cable car up to a high point on the wall. As luck would have it, we got to ride up in the very same car President Bill Clinton rode up in a number of years ago.
Walking the wall was far more strenuous than in the Budaling area. The elevation changes were extreme, stairs were uneven, and packed snow added to the adventure. No matter, we pressed on and and covered the east section as far as it was open. 4 signs at the end made it clear we weren't to go any further.
After the hike we were driven to the airport where we said good-bye to our driver and guide and checked in for the flight. All worries about overweight bags were unfounded as they didn't look twice at our 20.2 kg checked bags and didn't weigh our carry-on at all. We enjoyed a leisurely lunch at one of the airport restaurants and then had an uneventful flight to Xi'an. We were greeted at the airport by our bundle of energy guide Cheyenne and the driver Mr. Wong. A quick history lesson about the dynasties that were based in Xi'an accompanied the ride to the restaurant. I was assured there wouldn't be a test!! For dinner we again presented with 6 dishes plus soup and dessert. We seem to be wasting way too much food. :( After dinner it was a quick ride to the hotel - and what a hotel it is - we're in a beautiful 18th floor king room with a TV and light control panel on the nightstand. How cool is that.
Overall, another great day! Tomorrow we visit the local wall, the Terra Cotta Soldier Museum and some other stuff that slips my mind right now.
Walking the wall was far more strenuous than in the Budaling area. The elevation changes were extreme, stairs were uneven, and packed snow added to the adventure. No matter, we pressed on and and covered the east section as far as it was open. 4 signs at the end made it clear we weren't to go any further.
After the hike we were driven to the airport where we said good-bye to our driver and guide and checked in for the flight. All worries about overweight bags were unfounded as they didn't look twice at our 20.2 kg checked bags and didn't weigh our carry-on at all. We enjoyed a leisurely lunch at one of the airport restaurants and then had an uneventful flight to Xi'an. We were greeted at the airport by our bundle of energy guide Cheyenne and the driver Mr. Wong. A quick history lesson about the dynasties that were based in Xi'an accompanied the ride to the restaurant. I was assured there wouldn't be a test!! For dinner we again presented with 6 dishes plus soup and dessert. We seem to be wasting way too much food. :( After dinner it was a quick ride to the hotel - and what a hotel it is - we're in a beautiful 18th floor king room with a TV and light control panel on the nightstand. How cool is that.
Overall, another great day! Tomorrow we visit the local wall, the Terra Cotta Soldier Museum and some other stuff that slips my mind right now.
1 comment:
did Bill Clinton vandalize the car? "Bill C wuz here"
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