Great Wall... Greater People

We began our adventures today with a tour of the most prominent jade factory in Beijing. We learned the process of jade crafting, how to tell the quality of jade, and how to value it. Then they set us loose in a huge store of treasures. It was irresistible. We had just learned how precious this stone is and how much it means in the Chinese culture, there was no way to walk away from these beautiful works of art. Kallie bought some presents that I can't disclose here since they are surprises for home, but I was not nearly as altruistic. I bought a jade bangle. In the Chinese culture, the jade bangle is passed down through generations to the daughter on her wedding day as a sign of prosperity and peace. It can't be passed down if you never had it, but lucky for my future daughter I now have a stunning one to give to her.

Our next stop was the best part of the day. We arrived at the Great Wall of China in time to see one of the pre-Olympic ceremonies- drumming, dancing, flags waving all along the wall, it was spectacular. As we climbed the wall, Kallie looked at me and said "I can't believe I'm really here... on one of the seven wonders of the world. I'm on the Great Wall." It is in that moment when you really do get that what you are doing is an honor. We did justice to the wall and for over an hour climbed and climbed and climbed some more. Through the fire towers, up the gun decks, across the bridges, and into the mountains. It was like being on stair master for an hour in the blazing heat but you're so excited you only notice that your sweat has now totally drenched your shirt. In China, you are not a real man unless you climb to the top tower... I guess that makes Kallie and I real wo"men!"

After lunch we headed to the Ming tombs. They were serene and lovely. Full of history and imperial mysteries, it is at the heart of Chinese legends. At the end of our day, we had the opportunity to experience Chinese acupressure foot massage. It was the best way to end a long exhausting day.

More than tombs, walls, and treasures, Kallie and I learned about people today. There were hundreds of young men who were the flag bearers for the Olympic ceremony and they all had a smile and such pride in their faces. Then there was the soldier who finally got on break and was cooling off with a soda. He smiled and said Ni hao. So I said it back . Then he asked how I was doing.. I'm still in this conversation so I answered and asked him how he was doing in my excellent Chinese tones. He was so impressed with my Chinese that he just took off chatting and I had to confess that I didn't know much of anything. So in perfect English, he said " you know enough to try." Finally, there was Lily. She came up to me at the Ming Tombs to say "hi" She was just excited to have a real English person to try out her new words on.

Tomorrow is a busy day with rickshaws, pandas, pearls, and trains awaiting us. The next time we blog, we will be in Xian.

Love from Beijing,

Ricki & Kallie

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