Day 4 - The Great Wall ... and more

Today was our much anticipated visit to the Great Wall! The wind warning from last night seemed to have been a myth because we woke to a lovely day with a gentle breeze and a message from William saying he would see us at 8.00am!

So ... up, shower, dress, breakfast and in the lobby by 7.50 ... on the road by 7.52! (I think William may secretly love us for our efficiency).

Our drive to the wall was going to take us somewhere between an hour and a half and 2 hours (we arrived pretty much bang on the 2 hrs) but there was much to see along the way so we were happy peering out the window and snapping pics. 

William gave us a fabulous lesson about the wall (well actually the 3 walls) depending on the dynasty and emperor in charge at the time. We were headed to the Mutianyu section located high in the mountains that rise above the Mutian Valley.

Arriving at the car park we were deposited safely by Mr Zhou and then made the journey at a rapid pace (to get in front of tour groups) to board the shuttle bus that would take us to the cable car station. Along the way we negotiated several passport and ticketing checkpoints. It is very well organised and so everything moves along fairly quickly. The hardest thing is negotiating some of the older local ladies who are masters at using their elbows to get ahead of others. 

We boarded the cable car for the 3 minute ride to the top ... to Tower 14 on this section of the Wall. It was again well controlled with a gentleman manning the lines to ensure everyone could safely board (because they do not come to a stop ... so you need to move!).

And with that cable ride we were at the wall ... with a stretch of the wall from Tower 14 to Tower 20 (or we could have gone down to Tower 10 if we wanted). William pointed us in the upward direction ... assuring us that it provided the best views. He accompanied us to the first Tower, pointed out the differences between smoke towers, guard towers and gates before letting us explore on our own (with an agreed time to be back to him). His parting words were to enjoy the wall, embrace the history and above all … safety was No.1.

So off we went! Ian wanted to get all the way to Tower 20 but we spent a little time together at Tower 15 and along the wall before he headed off. I knew I would never make it that far but I was all for him achieving his dream. (Ian - There are some things I really wanted to do in my ‘travel’ life - Kilimanjaro, Everest, pyramids, Statue of Liberty, etc. Standing on the Great Wall is one of them.)

I wandered along the wall ... first thinking oh I'll get to Tower 16 and that will be enough. Then I got to 16 and thought  ... oh I think l can get to Tower 17 ... and before I knew it I was at Tower 19! At that point I was so amazed at myself that I looked at the next section and said ... yeah no, I'm good thanks! I was able to watch Ian making his way up that final section ... which was close to vertical stairs. I waited until he reached the top tried waving madly to catch his attention but failed miserably! (Ian - I was looking for her at 17, never thinking she would make 19. What a star! So proud.)

(Ian here) The final stretch from Tower 19 to Tower 20 (beyond which the public are not allowed) is perhaps only 300m long - straight up a steep incline, steps all the way. I started with 30 steps at a time, then 25, then 20 with my hand on the wall to help me along. I stopped to sit when I could, legs aching, throat dry, panting for breath. And when, at last, I reached the last 30 steepest narrow steps I was almost crawling to the top. Finally standing upright on Tower 20 a sign says 'Heros' Platform'. The views were amazing. It was worth the climb! And only a few wobbles and stumbles on the way down.

 

So, I turned around and began heading back towards Tower 14 knowing that Ian would be making his way back too and we would meet again at the exit with William. Ian eventually caught up with me ... absolutely knackered! He had made it to the top, was glad I hadn't come (probably didn't want to have to deal with my whining) but was amazed that I'd made it to 19!

And so we headed down the mountain saying a fond farewell to this beautiful historic location. Ian had achieved a life long dream (as had I but I know he was devastated last night at even the slightest inkling of not being able to get there).

We headed back to the car, bypassing all of the tourist booths and shops who kept calling out "hey lady ... come and look" ... why don't they call out hey man!! 

Into the car ... to the cool air conditioning and fresh water bottles courtesy of Mr Zhou ... and on the road to lunch. This was a buffet style lunch ... lots of yummy food and free flowing icy cold soft drink to replenish the sugars expended on the wall.

Then back in the car for the drive back to Beijing and to the Summer Palace. Ian and William had a sleep but Mr Zhou and I stayed awake (thank you Mr Zhou). I happily snapped photos (surprised?) and watched the world go by.

We arrived at the Summer Palace which like all of the history we have heard so far has its own complex history. Palace Gardens destroyed, the summer Palace built and then destroyed and then rebuilt, a dowager empress who ruled having taken all power from first her son and then her nephew. 

Despite all of the turmoil the palace is beautiful. Rooms for the young emperor, the dowager empress, young wives and of course concubines and eunuchs. Built on a lake to cool them in the heat of summer it is surrounded by a 928 metre covered walkway with sitting spots and pagodas to rest in. Marble balustrades line the lake front along with aged weeping willows. As we walked William gave us the history ... pointed out windows or paintings ... telling us about what their meanings were.

At the end of the walk we saw the marble boat built into the water before boarding a boat to take us across the lake to the 17 Arch Bridge and the South Island. From the boat we could see the Buddhist Temple high on the hill and see all of the buildings that made up the palace grounds. 

Back in the car ... Mr Zhou is wonderful ... whilst we are with William he stays with the car chatting with the other drivers, sometimes playing cards, or finding a spot to park and wait while we explore ... but when William calls he magically appears! He is also fabulous at slowing down when we want to take photos!

Our final stop for the evening was to visit one of the most popular restaurants in Beijing for a traditional Peking Duck meal. William ordered for us … with us asking him not to over order! He ordered sliced green beans with pork and the traditional Peking Duck which comes with sliced roasted duck (done table side) and paper thin pancakes in which you wrap the duck dipped in thick soy sauce, add in cucumber and onion and wrap … and then devour! The food was wonderful.

And finally … back to our hotel for a hot shower, clean clothes and collapse!

Steps … 13,684

Kms … 10.48

Photos … 742