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Published: June 30th 2011
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The Ming Tombs
They are the little yellow building, but if you cant see them just enjoy the view of the mountains. Today in China…
We went to the Ming Tombs and the Great Wall and I enjoyed traveling and sightseeing in Beijing. First thing’s first. Breakfast at the hotel was delicious. We had a full meal that was really good for a hotel breakfast. I actually think this place is a 4-star hotel. It’s pretty nice. After breakfast we got an early start on the day and hopped on the bus. Our ride was about one and a half hours until we got to our first destination, the Jade factory. We were shown the different types on Jade and how they carve it and then encouraged to but as much as we could.
The next order of business was the Great Wall, but because we had spent so much time in the Jade factory, we went to the Ming tombs in order to have an on time lunch. The Ming tombs are, for anyone who can’t figure this out, the burial buildings that showcase the emperors that were in the Ming dynasty. There are 13 tombs all together for the last 13 Ming emperors and hey are spread out over a wide area at the base of one of the
The Great Wall
What they do not tell you is how steep it is. mountain ranges around Beijing. The tomb its self is set behind all of the buildings and is under a huge mound of earth and encased in a layer of marble to block grave diggers. The whole thing, or the one that we saw took 3000 men 6 years to build.
After seeing the beautiful scenery and looking at the tomb, we hopped on the bus for lunch, which was at a place called the friendship factory, which was just somewhere that you buy souvenirs for people. It was funny because they wanted to show us how the stuff is made and we all walked past to the dining area. The guy talking tried to talk louder and go through faster to keep up and get our attention, but we wanted food. And was it worth it!? It was the most western place we have had since being here. There were knifes and forks and fried chicken and deserts and chicken nuggets and it was all a buffet! We had so much food, but it was so good. But yet again patience left us and we eagerly left to get on the bus to go to the biggest thing that
The Great Wall
Yeah, I climbed that. we have seen on this trip, the Great Wall of China.
It was so amazing to see. The Wall itself extends to the peaks on the horizon and it winds through the mountains as if a part of them. The scenery is so incredible all I can do is give you pictures. Absolutely breath-taking. I was able to be the only one in our group to see both of the peeks open to the public. Let me tell you. That is something that you don’t get to appreciate fully reading. That thing is intensely sloped and it will give you a better workout than any elliptical.
After this we went back to the hotel and rested for a little bit. I think everyone went out for the famous Peking duck, but for the cost, I said screw it and went out to explore the city. Among other things, I had a good bow of roast beef and rice and potato salad (and it tasted alright too!). I rode on the Subway and went out to see some sites. Unfortunately I got so to start with most of the sites had closed for the day. But I still got
The Great Wall
The breakfast of champions. to hear “Yankee Doodle” by a street band. That will make you look twice.
Other than that, it was in my opinion one of the hardest and most worthwhile days since I have been here. I will defiantly sleep well tonight. Until tomorrow…
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