Day Three - Great Wall Etc...

Our morning started a bit earlier today since we had to travel outside the city. Our first stop was the Jade Factory. It's government owned and operated as such, or so they say, all the jade is real. All real jade must be made in this factory so any that you buy on the street is more expensive... So they say. Anyway Dede and I did some major shopping and played our part in helping out the Chinese government. I did end up with some great pieces that will last my lifetime. We did jew them down on the price. Jade bangles are to be worn on the left wrist (close to the heart) of a woman and are to help with blood circulation and good health. The jadeite is a more precious jade and a harder jade for durability. It can and should be worn all the time. Jade is a living stone and will grow a darker color green as you wear it. The healthier you are the faster the jade will change colors.

The Great Wall was next! We had absolutely beautiful weather! Sunshine, blue sky's, and a wonderful breeze. The climb was quite challenging with many uneven and broken steps, all different heights and depths. The view was amazing. We spent about 30 minutes just taking it all in before we headed back down. The way back was physically less challenging but mentally more challenging because of the steepness and hight. According to someone's pedometer we took 1,200 steps. Those who went a bit further were closer to 5,000 steps. You MUST climb the Great Wall while in China!  I bought a Chairman Mao hat, military style with the China red star on the front but I swear I'm not a communist. 

Lunch was at a fancy truck stop. Food was fine, bathrooms smelly, and banana ice-cream on a stick delicious.  

After lunch we went to the Ming Tomb sight. We didn't actually go to the tombs as they are scattered throughout the mountain side. We just walked the sacred path to the tombs. It's a beautiful garden walk way flanked with trees, shrubbery, and stone sculptures. At the end of the path is a structure that houses a mythical creature know to be the baby of a dragon that closely resembles a turtle. It is said that touching the head of the animal will give you no worries and touching the behind promises a long life. I did both of course! 

We also toured the site of the 2008 Beijing Olympics. I'm not very interested in sports etc. so this stop was a bit dull for me. We walked A LOT and saw the inside of the Bird's Nest where the opening ceremonies were held as well as the track and field events. It's a massive structure but didn't look any different from any other arena I've been to. We also saw the outside of the Water Cube where all the water sports were held. The building is made out of a kind of plastic, but is still very strong. The highlight was seeing a maybe 4 year old boy poop in the street while his mother held his diaper. Dinner was the same as our other meals only this time I drank more beer and ate less food. Good thing breakfast is good! 

FaceTimed with Mom, Dad, and Jessica (Cody also made a brief appearance) tonight. Can't believe all that we've seen. Just hope I'm taking it all in and that photos and this blog will remind me! 

I'll be a few days behind with my blog as tomorrow night I "sleep" on an overnight train! Hope I can get some sleep.