Day 3 - The Great Wall

This post will be brief-need to pack to head to Hefei tomorrow morning.  I can’t believe we are almost there.  We have about 36 hours left before we meet Zoey.  I have mixed emotions right now.  Excited beyond belief, but again, so sad for her little heart and what she is going to endure over the next week.  Pray for us all during this transition-so that we can help her through the rough times to get to the “good stuff.” 

Here’s our day in a nutshell: Jade factory, a trek up (and down) the Great Wall, lunch at a cloisonné factory, pictures in front of the Water Cube and Birds Nest, and a Chinese acrobat show.  Not sure how we lucked out, but the weather was incredible and great to climb the Great Wall.  Nothing but blue skies and a light breeze.  Here are some pics to share with you-will check in tomorrow from Hefei. 

These pillars are just outside of the Olympic Village from 2008.  I snapped this from the car - they were beautiful.

This is my incredibly corny travel companion imitating a $60,000 jade tiger.  We thought we'd bring it home as a souvenir for Bryan, but not sure how to get it home...I suggested it could have Jenna's seat on the plane.  She didn't think that was so funny.

Jenna rubbing the jade Buddah's belly.  Notice the Lion Cakes, Sam and Meg??!!?

A REAL Bengal tiger.  Not the kind that attempt to play football in Cinci.

About 5 minutes from the Great Wall!  This wonder of the world makes 2 for us in just over 3 months - Chichen Itza on December, 21, 2011, and the Great Wall in March.  Not a bad quarter.

This was absolutely breathtaking.  We took a right when we arrived at the Wall-that was the more challenging climb.  Jenna did GREAT.  We trekked up to the last station you can see on the pic here.  Took about an hour to get up and back down.  We stopped to take pics many times-it was an incredible view. 

Nearly vertical climb. 

We made it past the No. 9 Beacon Tower.

What goes up, must come down.  The descent was definitely more perilous than the ascent.

Had to hold her back from planking...this was Jenna's sign for the day. 

Weapons for Sam.  We figure we'll carry them on-no problem.

After we tackled the right side, we went to the left.  This part of the Wall was not as crowded.  The cutest little old security guard took our picture-I think he had a crush on Jenna. 

No planking, but she crossed "Do a cartwheel on the Great Wall" off her bucket list. 

Bird's Nest-from Olympic Village 2008.  If you can distinguish it from my non-flat ironed hair-it is to the right of Jenna and me.  Lol.  Seats over 100,000 people.  In the winter, is turned into an indoor skiing place.  How cool is that... Springboro needs one of these.  Maybe after we pass our school levy.

Took this one for Megs-the Water Cube.  World diving championships currently underway there.  This is where Michael Phelps won his 8 gold medals. 

The bird searching for the Bird's Nest.  Help.  Need.  New.  Travel.  Companion.  Maybe I will go back for the jade tiger...

Felt like I was in the middle of a Vacation movie for a second-yes, this is the WORLD'S BIGGEST FRUIT CAKE.  No one in Beijing apparently likes fruit cake, either. 

Cool architecture-posting this for our friends in Canada. 

112 proof alcohol of some sort.  The cup they serve it in is the size of a thimble.  I did not try it-the men at the table did, and based upon their reaction, I passed and went for the tea.  Good thing they served this AFTER the Great Wall trek. 

Sam and Megs-don't try this at home.

The acrobats start training for this at 3 years of age, and the average lifespan of a Chinese acrobat is 5 years, from 14-19, with some performing to age 23.  Apparently it is taxing on the body.  Shocking.

Going to get packing.  Been a great time here in Beijing.  But ready to get my girl.  Not sure what the VPN/internet will be like in Hefei, but will try and keep up the blogging. 

Only 2 sleeps til Zoey time!