May 16, 2013 LEAVING BEIJING

Wifi seems to be only available in Starbucks but even that is not always functioning so we think we are communicating but our messages and emails do not go anywhere. Today we take the bus from our hotel to The Great Wall of China for our mandatory inspection walk of 3.5 km. on the wall.  Easy compared to all the walking and stairs we have been doing in Beijing. 

We went to the Huangyaguan section of the wall. A two hour drive from Beijing. There was an information gathering in yin yang square and then the buses dropped us at the top of the mountain. The majority of our descent was downhill but there were several sections of stairs going up as well. The weather and therefore the view was spectacular. Our portion was 2582 steps. Up and down. Flights were generally about 60-100 steps each. Some stairs were 6" some were 2'. Much of the wall was steep stone goat trails. Stairs would be easier.  I would hate to try it on a rainy day.       

Checked into hotel and it is very gross. Leaky toilet so walls are moldy, sink plugged and horrendous mold smell. Fortunately we were able to change to a different room. Not nice but bearable. Thanks to the translator app. 

Tamara just can't stop jumping 

Larraine jumping

Larraine, Tamara, Debora, Jaki, Lynda with Warren in the tower