What Wall?

 

THE Great Wall!

 

We know our time in China will fly by quickly so we want to see and do as much as we can as often as we can!!  So our first weekend here -- semi-conscious with only minor jet lag -- we headed out to experience the Great Wall of China.

 

There are many parts of the Great Wall to see.  Contrary to popular belief it is not one long continuous wall across China.  Different sections were built by different dynasties. They exists in chunks in between natural defences.  Some sections have been rebuilt and some sections still exist unrestored.  Our driver first drove us to the most popular, touristed section called Badaling.  One look at the lines and vendors and we were out of there!  We chose to drive across town to another section named Mutianyu - it was awesome!!  It is a busy enough section that there is a tram to the top if you choose not to hike up.  With a 2 year-old and no hiking backpack yet we thought the tram looked fabulous!

 

 

proof we were here!

 



I have the best looking family :)

 

 

We loved it!  We will definitely be back and are anxious to explore some other sections of the wall!

 

 

p.s. Any desire I ever had of running the Great Wall Marathon is completely gone!  After hiking around for a short time my quads were on FIRE.  okay, someone *might* be able to talk me into the half marathon though ;)