On the second day (July 15th) of our Wild China tour we woke up early and took a van ride into the countryside to visit the Great Wall of China. Howard gave us a nice history and explanation of the importance of the Great Wall to China. I echoed some of what he had taught us in preparation for our visit. We had a beautiful day to explore the wall. Some chose to take the gondola ride up to the wall and others climbed a steep set of steps to get up to the wall. We were fortunate to arrive earlier in the morning. Initially there were not many people there so we practically had the Great Wall of China to ourselves. The setting was beautiful and we were able to see for miles when we were up on the wall. For me it was very surreal - this small town Minnesota boy is actually walking on the Great Wall of China!
We spent half a day exploring the Mutianyu section of the Great Wall of China. This impressive piece of man made engineering is one of the most recognizable national symbols in China. It stretches for more than 3000km and was built over a span of 2000 years. It was originally built to protect China from the Mongolian invaders from the north. It is one of the largest and most extensive construction projects ever built over many generations of people. In 1987 the Great Wall was designated a UNESCO World Heritage site. It is truly one of the Seven Wonders of the world!
Our visit to the Great Wall was memorable for all of us. Unfortunately it was a location where one of our group member's miss-step caused her to have an ankle injury. This unfortunate accident threatened to put an early damper on our China tour as Regina was in pain and had to decide wither to continue on her trip in China. It was nice to see that from this time forward our whole group rallied in support and help for Regina and each other throughout our trip in China. I think I speak for everyone when I say that we were impressed with Regina's positive, tough-minded determination. We are glad you stayed for the whole trip!
I hope everyone is doing well and adjusting to your post-China lives. It was nice meeting and getting to know all of you! Please let me know if any of you visit the great state of Minnesota. I am always up for visitors! It was an honor and privilege to for me to join you on this great adventure in China. It was a trip of a life time for me and I will always remember it and all of you who made it so memorable for me! Thank you!
Study Tour
