Tuesday, May 6, 2008
The Great Wall, Mutianu
Passing through the first guardhouse going west, we find the interior walls white washed, then covered with graffiti in every conceivable language. Not bad stuff. Not even marginal stuff. It’s names—the signatures of those who came before us.
With a big smile on her face, Holly whips out a green pen. I whip out a black pen.
And we become part of the Wall’s history.
(Beats the heck out of that time I nearly got kicked out of the original Hard Rock in London for signing a wall there.)
Tuesday, May 6, 2008
The Great Wall, Mutianu
You know in your head what to expect.
And you’re wrong.
After disembarking from the cable car, then following more steps, then climbing a ladder-like section, we surfaced on top of The Great Wall of China. I stood up. Turned west. Took one look at a centuries old image made of ancient stones, snaking its way across the mountain ridges in front of me.
Yup. Tears. Quiet little is-this-really-happening-to-me tears overflowing eyes brimming with joy.
Trust me. You don’t know. Not until you get there.
Tuesday, May 6, 2008
The Great Wall, Mutianu
After an hour and a half drive through the countryside on twisting two lane roads (at lickety-split speed), we arrived at the foot of Mutianu, the section of the Wall I wanted to see. Unlike the closer and more frequented Badaling section, this one’s a lot quieter with far fewer tourists to clamor over.
You start the process by climbing steep (and I do mean steep) steps and ramps though fruit stands and souvenir stalls to get to the cable cars that take you the rest of the way. Admittedly, we had to stop a couple of times during our climb, just to breathe. One poor couple ahead of us simply halted half way up, with her unable to scale another step. It’s a workout.
So, we make it to the cable car building, find ourselves alone on the platform (like I said, not nearly as populated as Badaling), are shown to a car, hop in…and start giggling.
There, on the glass directly ahead of us, are the words:
“President William J. Clinton took this car down the Great Wall on June 28th, 1998”
Cool beans, baby. Cool beans.
Tuesday, May 6, 2008
Beijing
After Holly and the driver picked me up (she was able to book a car and driver for eight hours, unlimited miles, for only 500 RMB—$72.04 US), we headed to Sunny’s place for my fitting. Wasn’t originally planned, but if he’s willing to get six blouses done and delivered to the hotel in 24 hours, the least I can do is show up for the fitting first thing in the morning.
He’s amazing. The unfinished blouse fits like a dream already. By the time my head hits the pillow tonight, they’ll be in my suitcase, delivered to the hotel across town for free.
Definitely one of my best finds in Beijing. Definitely.
Tuesday, May 6, 2008
Beijing
This is it. The big day. The big four-eight.
The big ankle.
And the big adventure that nothing—nothing—is going to stop in its tracks. After all, today’s the day I fulfill a dream.
Today’s the day I stand on the Great Wall.
Woke up before sunrise. Made coffee. Snuggled up in the oversized chair next to the windows to watch the sky light up. Watched locals doing tai chi below. Opened my birthday cards from the folks. Got choked up. And realized there’s no one luckier than me at this very moment.
God blessed me, big time, and that’s the best gift of all.
Tuesday, May 6, 2008
