How is it possible that I’ve been writing about our travels for nearly two years, and I haven’t written about the Great Wall of China? This month, I’ll be telling you about some of the breathtaking sights we’ve seen around the world. None are more staggering than the Great Wall.
I never imagined I’d travel to China. But that was before our dear friends, the Jay family, moved there in connection with Colleen’s job. Suddenly, a destination that had seemed out of the realm of possibility was at the forefront of our imaginations. In March 2008, we flew into Hong Kong and spent a couple of days there, then took the train to Guangzhou and visited the Jays before tackling the rest of the country.
According to this plan, we ended up in Beijing last, which meant that we saw the Great Wall on the second-last day of our holidays. That’s probably a good thing, because it might have overshadowed everything else we saw. As much as we loved the rest of the country, I haven’t seen many sights in my life that could compete with the Wall.
We arrived at the Mutianyu section of the wall – a little further from Beijing, but much less crowded – with our adorable guide, Qing. She took us up the gondola and we stepped off onto the wall. Sections of the walkway were divided by watchtowers (the wall was originally built to protect China from invaders from the north). We looked at the miles of wall that snaked ahead of us, and behind us, as far as we could see in every direction.
A picture really is worth a thousand words, and any words I could use to describe the Great Wall of China could only sound like a thesaurus definition for the word “stunning”. I will only say one thing: there are a few places on earth that you can see pictures of, but not really understand, until you are there. And the Great Wall is one of them.
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| Great team meets Great Wall |
I have been to Beijing 6 times, but not once I visited the Great Wall…I should…next time. Great photo of you four together.
I had no idea how massive The Great Wall actually is…but your second photo kind of gives me an idea. Wow! How beautiful. (The runner is me is already mentally strapping on her shoes. She would quit 1/8 of the way through.) 😉
Wow! Those are great photos!
I must admit it looks amazing, and I'm willing to guess that seeing it in a picture is no where near as awe inspiring as seeing it in person. May I someday get to see it in person. You are so fortunate. 😀
What a trip! The Great Wall is amazing…though I remember I had eaten bad salmon on the plane and then almost puked off the Great Wall!
Such an amazing place. The family photo with the scene in the background is really beautiful!
That top photo is such a great family shot–I've never been to China, and David is dying to go. Looking forward to hearing about the rest of the trip.
Fantastic shot of your family at the Great Wall! Fabulous trip.
Oh my! I can not even imagine walking the Great Wall. I am in awe! Bonnie
Oh how wonderful Beth – you make me want to sell all my belongings and get over there.
What a wonderful experience Beth,
I've not seen the Great Wall up close and personal, but would love to…it's on my every lengthening wish list!
Someday I want to visit the Great Wall of China. It seems like such an amazing place. 🙂
Great pictures!
What an incredible trip! I love when people move and give you a reason to visit somewhere…that's how I ended up visiting Taiwan, a place I never would have considered!
How very cool! The Great Wall is very much on our list of must-see places. I think it's so wonderful that you've exposed your children to such rich travel experiences 🙂
PS~ where were the bathrooms??? 🙂
The Great Wall is on my list of sight in the world to see, I can only imagine how cool it is to see in person! Thanks for sharing your pictures;-)
What a dream trip my friend, thank you for sharing your experiences 😀
Cheers
Choc Chip Uru
Great question, Jess. I don't remember, but maybe in the area where the gondolas landed?
I still can't get over how many places you've been outside of North America.
So where are the bathrooms? 😀
Wow, You have really seen the world! This looks MAGNIFICENT! Hopefully I can see it one day myself, and experience what you are conveying:)
I can't get over how "great" that wall is…I need to learn more about it. I've seen pictures all my life, but don't know the history. Silly, I know. 😛
You are so lucky, to go to such amazing places with your beautiful family :), Miriam@Meatless Meals For Meat Eaters
I'm sure that the Great Wall really was stunning! This seems like a trip that is out of reach for us, so it is nice to see it through your eyes. Thanks!
Wonderful. this brought back great memories–over 12 years ago, we visited my daughter in Beijing, where she was studying at Peking University. We spend a day at the Great Wall–astonishing. the whole trip, really, was something out of a dream.
Nice NHL representation on the Great Wall! I think your husband would look better with a winged wheel, though. 😉
fantastic pictures. i am planning to visit Great Wall Of China too is my dream.
Great photos…this was one of Matt and Mark's all-time favorite places to visit and they practically drool every time they review the photos they took, no doubt there will be a return trip at some point as 11 days there was not quite long enough to see everything they wanted. Look how little your girls were!!! How time flies.