Goodness Gracious Great Wall of China

---

A fantastic day. We travelled out from Beijing to see a section of the Great Wall at Mutianyu. This was a 2 hour drive but we had heard it was better to go a little further afield and see a section not too popular with the tour buses. After so many grey or colourless skies here in China we were very happy to be greeted by sunshine and cobalt blue.

I was in truth a little skeptical about how enjoyable a wall can be, even a great one. We chose the easy route and went up in a cable car, a sticker on the window proclaiming that our little cab had also taken 'William Clinton' up during his visit in 1998.

The wall stretches across this mountainous land like a giant slumbering dragon, its backbone undulating as the ground dips and climbs beneath it. Stretching from East to West China it covers over 4,000 miles. And it looks incredible. Originally it was separate walls, some existing as early as 7th century BC, until one enterprising Emperor joined them together in an effort to fend off invading Huns. What we see today is mostly left over from the Ming Dynasty era when lots of repairs were made that are still braving the tests of time now.

We walked along the wall for a couple of hours. It is freezing here, but the sun and exertion of climbing made all the difference. I thoroughly enjoyed myself, we walked until the wall crumbled away in front of us and the way was barred.


P.S. Finally managed to buy some jeans in Chengdu, my light trousers are just too thin for the cold climate here. This had proved even more frazzling than buying jeans in London. Most shops have only small, medium and large sizes and the fashion is for skinny fit. Chinese ladies are very petite and trim. I had to endure many a shopgirl tutting, getting out her tape measure, tutting some more, discussing the issue with the whole shop, before telling me that they had nothing to fit me! Finally got a pair in what I think is the Chinese equivalent of Primark. I suspect they are the only jeans in the whole of Asia that fit me. Probably the pair they never thought they could get rid of because it would take some lardy westerner to fill them out. Also got a jumper - fits very snug and is XXL! Talk about making you feel paranoid and body dysmorphic. Top Shop all your previous cruelty to me re: sizing is forgiven, I know now it was all training for this moment.

---

Photos

Wall 6
You can see more towers right on the horizon, the wall stretches as far as the eye can see

Great Fools of China
Not content with being here, Baz, Gaz and Sharon felt the need to leave their mark.

Crazy chef
This guy was a real character. Pictured here with 2 american gals on our same bus. He tried to hideously overcharge for his instant coffee (starting price was about 4 quid - who'd have thought you have to barter here for that).

Counting all the money
he has made off us gullible tourists

Comments

[Clare]

Loving your work guys! I particularly like the fact that Old Men have to be accompanied by their parents!! I can't believe you're actually there on the wall. It's such an iconic image, and to see you two standing on it is somewhat surreal! Goes without saying that I'm v.jealous, but given my huge bulk these days, I'd probably topple over the side. Six weeks to go (and counting!!). Much love. xxxxxxx

[helen lord]

big words
what does dysmorphic mean?