the great wall

We began our trip by first going to a huge jade factory.
Saw the reock being cut, polished and sculpted.
Then they let us lose in the store. I bought some pretty jade and learned about jade as well.
We then drove to the wall.
What a sight to see. Straight incline up as far as the eye can see, until you come to a tier where one rests.
Took pics and it is so beautiful to look behind you and see the chiene archtecture.
Climing was tough, many of the steps were worn away which made walking a challenge.
The temp was 85F. Hot and humid.
We ordered an iced coffee to cool down.
Lunch was in the cloisinne factory.
Pottery made in china, colorful and from ming era.
I bought a pretty plate and something for my studio we will all benefit from.
On to the ming tombs. We stayed in a motor car and toured sacred path.
I bought my I climbed the great wall tshirt.
Dinner was absolutely delicious. Snacks that filled us nicely.
Then back to the hotel to crash.
Today to the most expensive shopping area in beijing, window shop only.
Stores like hermes, omega and nike.
We then went to the oldest chinese medicine pharmacy dating back thousnds of years.
There were no tourists , mostly local ppl. We were taken into a room where a dr and his assistant
Took our pulses. We were then told what each one of our bodies is lacking using chinese
Remedies and tinctures.
This part of the tour I found fascinating.
We then ate lunch near the forbidden city. Funny eating chinese food for this many days,
Craving cheese, chinese yogurt tasty but more like milk consistency.
After lunch we were taken to an outdoor mall with over 400 stalls.
Bargains galore and boy did we bargain.
Carly and I walked to the local walmart 10 mins from our hotel.
Dinner back @ the hotel, pb and melba toast.
Up tomorrow @ 6 taking 2 hour plane ride to xian .
Xian famous for the terra cotta warriors.
Until xian
Zain jian. Goodbye