So, if anyone says to you, you should climb the Great Wall, imagine climbing. It is literal. A stroll this is not. In fact, they offer medals (for sale, of course, because that's what they do in China!). I EARNED one. Through the howling, frigid winds, and slippery steps I was the only one on my bus to conquer the walk. I imagine that in the warm weather it would be a pleasant, scenic hike. But in mid-winter, it is a feat. I arrived in Badaling after lunch at the government sponsored jade factory. Nothing was cheap or unique there. I love precious stones, if only to look at them, but even I couldn't find anything especially appealing as a memorabilia. I think I will settle for something fake (oops! with a little less quality, I
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