Yesterday I posted the "postcard" versions of my last visit to The Great Wall of China. Today I share with you a lighter side of our climb.
Now get this, to get up ON to the wall, we had to take a closed cable car. So I really wonder HOW this donkey got up here... and WHY?
Beijing, 2007
I suppose this foursome needed a break from the sweltering heat... you can see their t-shirts are wet... A game or two of cards in the relative coolness of one of the watch towers may have been clever. Have cards, will travel?
People who know me know I'm not very good about carrying my cell phone, so I was amused when a call came in... Imagine having to tell a business associate, "Uh... I can't check my files right now; I'm on The Great Wall." Perhaps that is what these men were texting to their friends.
After a few hours of walking the wall, super steep in parts, we were ready for a cold drink, so we were happy to see this entrepreneurial vendor (probably not licensed) with a cooler of drinks - but climbing the extra steps, down AND back up, was not so welcome.
And going down OFF the wall was an adventure. We could have opted for another easy lift down, but instead we chose the toboggan ride. What a howl! A security person had a veritable fit when I took out my camera on the way down to take this shot of the back of my friend Gloria ahead of me.
And this shot, today, is my contribution to Weekend Reflections hosted by James. Go ahead and click on the link for many more interesting takes on the theme.
You can see larger images by clicking on the photo.