Journal Day 3: June 9th

Journal Day 3: June 9^th

What did we do today?

v Got up… light rain, stopped shortly -->

v Breakfast at a vender (omelet thingy) and McDonalds

v GREAT WALL!

o Tired, water, pictures, video. Natalie, Claudia and I got so close to the top! We ran out of time though and had to head back down. We talked to some people who did make it to the top… we told them where we were, and they said we were really close!

v Went out to eat

v Tomb of the Ming Dynasty

v Pearl Market

o Crazy busy, intense people, lots of haggling.

v Peking Duck dinner

v Free time

v Hotel

Prompt: * Thoughts on the Wall * Overall impression of Beijing * Is the history well preserved? * Are the people proud of their history? * Most memorable: food, funny moment, piece of history, and culture.

We saw the Great Wall today!! J The wall was absolutely amazing! I loved it! The scenery was incredible and the view was un-beatable. The stairs were kind of tricky; you really had to watch your step. Each step was a different size and shape. Watch your feet or take a tumble. And contrary to previous beliefs, the wall is not flat and windy. Winding, yes. Flat no. The entire piece we walked was stairs straight up. Some of the wall was so steep I had to get on my hands and knees and climb up it. I think it’s wonderful the Wall has been kept so nice, pristine, and beautiful over thousands of years. Seeing the wall for the first time took my breath away and gave me goose bumps (it also made me gasp and want to take a long nap, but that’s for a different reason!).

<- This huge stretch to the first watchtower was all stairs of different heights.

Beijing is a huge city; larger than what we are accustomed to back home. I believe it is the biggest city I have ever seen. We did so much in the few days we were there, and yet I still feel like we didn’t see all of what the city has to offer. I want to go again and experience more of the city.

I believe the history is very well preserved (or at least the history the country wants the people to remember!). All of the people were really excited to be there, and wanted to learn more. The monuments were well kept and still remained beautiful, even after such a long period of time. Judging by the safety taken at the monuments and by how many people were there, I would say the people are very proud of their history. They want to see and experience the history, and share it with the rest of the world.

My most memorable piece of history had to be the Great Wall. The first moment when I saw the stone rising over the mountains was incredible. It gave me goose bumps then, and even now, just talking about it is giving them to me again.

My funniest moment was in one of the watchtowers with Natalie and Claudia. We were having an entire photo-shoot. We took pretty ones and funny ones. Inside the watchtower we found a secret tunnel! We had a blast!

I saw the best culture at the Ming Dynasty Tombs. There was so much history, historical artifacts, and relics. It was so cool to see some of the actual treasures from the Ming Dynasty. Being there made it feel like we had a better grasp on what the Emperor and Empress’ lives were like.

The best food I had today was the duck. I thought it was really good. It was pretty greasy and dark, but I liked it. Unfortunately I couldn’t enjoy it as much as I should have, because I was feeling a little sick to my stomach. (I think I was dehydrated and still getting used to the new food)

Beijing was so cool and so breath-takingly beautiful; I can’t wait to go again!