The Great Wall

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Well, I am acclimating to Beijing - although I have never been stared at so much in my whole life! People are very friendly but not much English is spoken. I was so excited today when I heard Spanish in a store. I had a lovely conversation with a family from Mexico.

Yesterday, I spent the day shopping (ouch!) but got some wonderful silk. There are pictures of President Clinton (and Madeline Albright) in many of the nicer stores - apparently he is well loved here.

My suitcase apparently came to Beijing via London (go figure!) and it just caught up with me today. All I've had are my flip flops. I went and hiked up the Great Wall of China and it was amazing! So beautiful. I couldn't help but think about all the people whose bodies are buried in the wall. Unfortunately, on the way down I slipped and kind of wrenched my knee (darned MIA suitcase) but am hoping that it will feel better tomorrow! I also saw Tienamen Square and Chairman Mao's monument.

I was so excited to get the news that my cousin had a new baby! His name is Hayden and I can't wait to see pictures of him.

The traffic here is beyond belief! I can't believe that I haven't seen hundreds of dead bodies. Bicycles cut buses off left and right. The drivers don't believe in using lanes. There are parking lots for hundreds of bicycles. I gave up being nervous and now just try not to watch!

The vendors grab you when you walk by and won't let go of your arm. It was really disconcerting at first. I have to admit, I pretend I only speak Spanish and that really throws them for a loop (hey all is fair in the guerilla warfare that is the streets of Beijing).

Tomorrow I am flying to Xian to see Emperor Shin's TerraCotta Clay warriors. I was thinking about taking the overnight train, but the truth is I chickened out. Before I leave I am going to take a rickshaw tour of the Hutong - the old resident quarters - that should be really interesting.

Well, enough for now, I am ready to get some dinner and go watch a DVD in my room. Hope everyone is well.

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Comments

[Kelsey N]

From your class
Mrs Treloar, being in your class this year was amazing, and I think it went by way too fast. Hearing all your story is like you being right next to you. I'm glad your enjoying your trip. Your old student kelsey neighbors

[MsTsClass]

Hi Kels
It was so good hearing from you! I'm so glad you are enjoying the blog and being able to live vicariously through my trip. Maybe someday you'll be able to visit a place of your dreams. It is so worth all the hard work and sacrafice to make it happen. I'll look forward to you coming to visit me next year! Ms. T