We were privileged to visit one of the wonders of the world (and probably one of the best known) – the Great Wall of China. And we were so fortunate – the day was clear and visibility perfect (although it was a little chilly). We travelled to Mutanyu – one of the best vantage points available. The students were excited to learn that we were going to travel up to the wall on a cable car and then back down again via toboggan.

The Great Wall never disappoints – it was magnificent. Some of the students took it as a personal challenge to go as far as they could in the time available, while others took a more leisurely stroll. We met many different people on the wall, including three little (and I mean little) elderly ladies who’d travelled from Szechuan Province, in Southern China. Your author asked for a photo with them, but they politely but firmly declined – “we are here for the scenery, not for photos” our guide translated for us. However, we did get a smile from then when we said “Zai jian” (good bye) and they understood us.

Many photos were taken and memories formed. We even got a little bit of shopping done at the markets before climbing back on the bus for the long trip back to the city. We had lunch on the way and enjoyed a yummy desert – a mix of corn and other sweet stuff, including way too much sugar.

We tried to get out and see the Olympic sites but we couldn’t due to road works, so we just drove past them and took heaps of photos.

We had an early dinner and then enjoyed a Kung Fu show. Some of those boys can do things that most sane people wouldn’t contemplate, but still took our breath away.

Another huge, successful day came to an end. One more day of sites tomorrow.