So many steps....

After nearly a week in Beijing we left our hostel and drove 3 hours north to a remote section of the great wall, at Jinshanling. Mini bus transport is interesting in China. They're big fans of beeping their horns and overtaking on blind corners. Spent a lot of the journey with my eyes closed! At least there was a precarious pile of 12 back packs at the front of the bus to act as an airbag should we have needed it.

The section of the great wall we went to was very remote, just us and a group of dedicated local sales people. We started the climb and didn't think it was a good sign when Sal was out of breath before we'd even reached the wall itself. There a moment of slight panic when she eventually saw the wall and just how much climbing would be involved (she still feels hurt and betrayed by our group leader who said "don't worry it's not too steep you won't need to use your hands too". barefaced lie)

Anyway, determined not to be left behind we set off, and climbed many many watchtowers to the highest point of the wall. Even though it was -16 air temp we were all absolutely boiling and sunburned by the time we got there. The views were absolutely amazing, just wall stretching off in both directions and mountains, nothing else. we couldn't see any signs of civilisation anyway and it felt fantastic. COmpletely isolated, apart from the woman following us trying to sell us a guidebook and great wall t-shirt. they're hardcore!

After 3 to 4 hours on the wall we staggered back to our bus and went half and hour up the road to simatai, another section of the wall where we were staying the night in the hostel. We were the only people there apart from two women running the restaurant. It was australia day so we were honourary auusies with the three in our group, it was our duty to drink beer all night and sing waltzing matilda. we celebrated with a shot of chinese wine (56% alcohol - that got rid of the cold!)

We were eventually asked to leave the restaurant (don't think the owners were in a particularly celberatory mood) so everyone went to bed. At about 2am they turned the heating off. Meanies.

Next morning we were up before dawn to climb the wall to watch the sunrise. pain like nothing else i have known! i made one tower before i admitted defeat and went back for a hot shower and a pot noodle, with rich helping me back down as my legs were not working like they should!

Still, apparently we are now officially men of the world, ancient chinese proverb says you're not unless you have climbed the great wall. so ha.

We went back to beijing for our last day, and took in a kung fu show. haiiiiii ya.

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