Day 3 Wednesday, October 23

This morning we got arose early, excited to be embarking on one of our major adventures of the trip, The Great Wall of China, one of the Eight Wonders of the World. Following a long drive in grid-lock traffic, we reach the Juyongguan section of the wall and stare in amazement at the winding miles of stone steps and wall climbing always upward. 

The Great Wall

We start out with great energy, stopping frequently for photos and water, and after reaching the higher ranges, start back down arriving at the bottom an hour and 30 minutes later. Our next stop was the Jade Factory where we saw the raw jade being cut into objects and checked out the jewellery. Ken choose a dragon and Karen a small jade ring. 

Karen on the Great Wall

The Changling of the Ming Tombs displayed the history of the royalty, clothing including headdresses and jade and porcelain objects. Our last stop before dinner was a drive by the Beijing Olympic Village including a photo stop at the Bird Nest before we enjoyed a traditional Peking Duck dinner, or at least Karen did. Ken appreciated his rapine with rice.

Ken on the Great Wall

Karen and Ken at the 2008 Olympic Site at the "Bird Cage"