It was so nice to sleep in this morning and enjoy the nice hotel! We slept until 9, had breakfast, then were off by 10. The weather was perfect for the Wall- cloudy and cool. It took 1 hour 30 minutes to get there, even though rush hour was technically over- that's what happens with 5 million cars on the road!
The Great Wall is breathtaking. You see pictures of it and you try to imagine exactly how it would look, but it still impresses you. Contrary to popular belief, it cannot be seen from space with the naked eye. However, this ancient military structure still draws people from all over the world. I wish I could put into words how grand it is.
Construction began in 221 B.C., after China's principalities united. New sections were linked together and old sections of city walls were joined as well. It was necessary to maintain the wall for military reasons, but over time, it started to wear out. Only the section constructed during the Ming Dynasty, the second to last dynasty, is well preserved.
We took a group picture at the base with a Chagrin Falls banner. Then, there were 2 hours to climb. We had the opportunity to hike the highest, steepest point of the Wall. All but 4 students opted for the steep hike. Toward the beginning, it was so crowded! Teens, children, the elderly- everyone was climbing! Some areas were about 30 feet wide, others just a yard. There were ramps in some spots and some very steep stairs on others, where you practically crawled.
As we trekked higher and higher, we got further into the clouds. It wasn't raining, but you could feel the mist on your skin. There were fewer and fewer people making it. It's lonely at the top! Mr. Kline left everyone in the dust- he went up then right back down. I made it in about 45 minutes, then waited for about 10 minutes for Mrs. Guan, Abby, Ana, Maddie, and Katies. We all took pictures and signed our names on the stone. Two guys came up right after that- they had trombones strapped on their backs. We had a nice little impromptu brass concert! Everyone loved it! Right after that, Nathan, Cam, Tina, and Kelsey made it. We asked where the other boys were and they decided to hike on the other side of the Wall. We took a group picture, then had to book it down the mountain in 45 minutes! It is hard work going up the Wall, but much scarier going down! A couple people were slipping, but we all made it in 40 minutes.
We went to lunch at a restaurant located close to the wall. It had a factory where they made vases, jewelry boxes, and pretty hand-painted bracelets.
Next we went to a jade carving factory. We got to see how they carve the stone and determine the quality. Some of the work was VERY ornate and takes a very long time to make. We had fun looking at the jewelry and pricing the large jade sculptures- some were $200,000! It was fun to see the whole process from start to beautiful finish.
On the way back from the Wall, we had the chance to stop at the Olympic Park just north of the city. We saw the Water Cube (swimming pool) and Bird's Nest (track). The architecture is amazing. I don't know how anyone would figure out how to design it and put it all together!
We had a lot of time before our train left at 9:46, so we decided last minute to see a kung fu show. I didn't get everyone's review, but overall the students enjoyed it. They did all kinds of moves and hung from fabric and wires. I thought the little kids in it were the most impressive- they didn't do handsprings- they flipped over on just their heads!
We ducked out right before the final scene to make our train on time- and barely made it! One of us got held up at security, then the tickets were odd: two rooms have 4 Chagrin students and are in one car. The rest of us are all spread out! I am currently writing from the top bunk with two odd Chinese men trying to sleep. Abby left to sleep in the cafe car with Cam and Maddie, who are on the top bunks in the room next door. Oh well. My room smells kind of funny, but at least it will be quiet? What a strange end to the day.
In the morning we will go to breakfast then head out to the Expo. We've heard that some buildings have lines 4 to 5 hours long, so it will be an all-day event for the sleep and shower-deprived students. Hopefully they'll be in good spirits!
Can't believe tomorrow is the last day. We've been looking forward to this for so long, now it is coming to an end! I think everyone is ready for home though.
Hope you all have a great day!
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