Day 2 in Beijing

Day two was to be a trip the Great Wall. Due to it being May 1st,a national holiday, our driver and escort suggested visiting a section less traveled to reduce the crowds, which can be enormous. The drive there and back from the Shangri La was longer than normal due to the national holiday, so as our preplanning opted for the private, guided trip, this proved to be a real benefit, as our car made its way to the closest interior point of parking availability via reserved access. And there, lunching with a chef prepared meal, we were made ready for our trek to and along the Great Wall. The experience of climbing the wall was unforgettable, even if a light rain set in during the excursion. With historical commentary from our guide providing context, we thoroughly enjoyed the somewhat strenuous hike along the wall and the view of the surrounding countryside. Imagining the monumental, multigenerational effort to build its structure brick by brick, was awe inspiring when ascending its steps, and, while perched atop, contemplating the massive effort to expand its lengthy sections to the horizon.

After the long and memorable day at the wall, the evening was reserved for dinner featuring Peking Duck at a restaurant located in the enormous, high end shopping mall attached directly to the Shangri La. Even in the confines of a shopping mall, we found the duck excellent. And, since it was easy to walk to, we could quickly return to the Shangri La for a nite cap atop the World Trade Center, enjoying the beautiful night time city views, and then turn in after an enormously satisfying day of China experiences.

To be continued…