We started our day by riding on the bus to the Badaling section of the Great Wall. We were told this was the most level section of the wall near Beijing. The above photo was taken before the climb and we were thinking we had this in the bag. We can easily make it to the top. We chose the direction that was a little steeper since it had less people. We began the climb with the backpack full of our supplies of bottled water, umbrella for shade, and of course the camera. I found out I made several mistakes that day. First of all, I wore opened toed sandals. This was a mistake because a lot sections were so steep that you easily slide out of your sandals or when you slipped going down your toes would hit the uneven pavers. Secondly, I carried a backpack that was about 10 pounds and every pound was felt in my thighs and lungs with each step. And thirdly, I looked back at what we had already climbed and officially determined I am afraid of heights.
Malissa, on the other hand, was full of energy and practically sprinted up the steps and slopes. She surprised me. Typically, she is the one who is afraid of heights and isn't too much into physical assertion. She proved me wrong today. Below is a photo of Malissa enjoying the climb in spite of the bird's eye view of the wall.
Because of my insecurities, we did not make it to the top. It was still a good climb, though, and a great memory was made with my beautiful Chinese daughter.
Once we got back on the bus, it was then onto the Olympic Park in Beijing. By this time the temperature had reached 100 degrees Fahrenheit and I was gulping down water by the bottle full. Thinking I was well hydrated and ready to walk the level ground of the park to the Bird's Nest and Water Cube (where Michael Phelps earned his 8 medals) we set off. It was only about a 10 minute walk from the bus, but the heat and exhaustion from the Great Wall climb was getting to me. Once again, Malissa seemed to not be affected by any physical stress. She complained about the heat, but it did not seem to damper her enthusiasm.
When we finally reached the Bird's Nest and the Water Cube we just wanted to stand there in amazement. The architecture and humungous size just takes your breath away. Also knowing the Olympic athletes stood right where we were standing was humbling. The two structures are right across a walk way from each other. As we were standing gawking and taking photos, loud music began to play and in a sectioned off area of the sidewalk water began to spurt out of the ground. Evidently, the water was sychronized to the music and a beautiful display of streaming water entertained us and the crowd around us. Several of the girls stood next to the water and gladly got cooling spray on them.
One last photo I have to share with you is the road next to the Olympic Park. This shows you typical traffic in Beijing. Every time we have been out on the road this has been the traffic pattern. Quite often it is stop and go traffic. Vehicles are constantly juggling their way into traffic with horns blaring. I am amazed we had not witnessed any accidents, and I have great admiration for our bus driver.
Tomorrow is our rickshaw tour, citizen panel, and the overnight train to Xi'an. I'll keep you posted!
No comments:
Post a Comment