Thursday January 7, 2011

What we did: Silk Market, The Great Wall, and Ming Tombs

The first thing we did today was go to the Great Wall of China. On the bus ride to the Great Wall expert David Spindler explained to us the true history of the Great Wall of China. We learned things such as how to identify a great wall, how many great walls have been built throughout Chinese history, and what types of walls were built. Once we got to the Great Wall everyone was astonished.

The wall is very large, about ten feet wide and twenty feet tall. We walked the Mutianyu section of the Great Wall; this very section was attacked by Mongols and is proof that the Great Wall efficiently served its purpose. The walk was rigorous, fun, warm, and full of beautiful views. At the end of the walk everyone enjoyed bobsledding down (even Mrs. Alsup and Ms. Cross). After the Great Wall and a fun lunch we went to the tombs of the Ming dynasty. Thirteen of the sixteen emperors of that dynasty are buried there. It is a long walk full of beautiful stone statues. The statues were of government officials and various animals.

Photo below:
The Kinkaid group along with Great Wall expert David Spindler atop the Great Wall of China.

After that we went to the silk market. The silk market was very different than we expected! There were imitations for everything from ski coats to high heels. Each vendor is very aggressive and almost everyone had to run away from a store at one point. Also the silk market is like a giant maze, it was so easy to get lost! Then we left the market went to dinner at a Chinese hot pot place. It was fun boiling your own food! Finally a highlight of the evening was going to Hägaan Daz ice cream! Almost the entire group went and enjoyed a cone. It was a great second day!

By: E.C. and S.S.