May 22, 2004

May 22, 2004

Notes from our Itinerary:

May 22 Here is your chance to climb the Great Wall of China! This wonder of the world, built 2600 years ago, was one of the two man-made structures seen by the naked eye of US astronaut Neil Armstrong from outer space. Later visit the Ming Tombs, the burial place of thirteen emperors and their families of the Ming Dynasty.

(Breakfast, Lunch)

This was a very exciting day. We were up early and ready to see some sites. The weather was beautiful, kind of like a nice spring day at home. We enjoyed the ride to the Great Wall. After arriving we had a picture taken with our travel group and received a really nice book with the picture included on the front page. Before climbing, we thought we better take a potty break. We were able to experience our first "squat potty" in China. A little man in the bathroom was passing out toilet paper. Several of us from our travel group decided we were going to climb the most challenging side of the Great Wall. It was quite steep. The Great Wall is miles and miles long and can actually be seen from the moon.

Next, Shiney took us to the Ming Tombs, a little Northwest of Beijing. They saved their most precious belongings in the tomb. Then we walked through the park of the Stone Animals and Statues. They were erected in the period of 1436-1438. Animals were placed in front of the tombs not only for decoration but also stood to guard honor when the Monarch was alive. We also saw the Shengong Shengde Stele Pavilion which was built in 1435. Poems were engraved on the back and side of the stele, written by Qian Long and Jia Qing, Emperors of the Qing Dynasty.

Next Day...

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