Our expectations were very high for today's trip to the wall, and I don't think any of us were disappointed. the weather was clear and a little cooler than the typical 90 degrees, although we did get pretty heated up in midday when we were at the top. The pictures really speak for themselves. We hired a minivan through the hotel and went to Mutianyu, which is a little farther from Beijing than the Badaling section where a lot of people go, but is still a "developed" area for tourists. The benefit was that there was hardly anyone there. We hiked up to the top of the developed area, and one of the photos shows the signed which marks the ruined area of the wall, where you can't go. The last bit was very strenuous -- and Michael had Sophia in the backpack! But we all made it and it was a really breathtaking view and impressive sight. My photos don't really do it justice.
On the way back Helen needed a bathroom, so we stopped off at a hotel in the northern suburbs and right out the window was the unfinished Olympic stadium, nicknamed "the Bird's nest" for an added bonus. One of the five friendlies, which are the mascots of the Olympics, is named Huan-huan, which is Helen's Chinese name, same character and everything. Its the "passion" mascot and she is now attached to a stuffed one constantly.
By the way, tonight the Fulbright orientation began, so our major sightseeing is starting to wind down. I realized tonight that I have no other home than this hotel room -- I think I am almost ready to move on to Xiamen.
