Great Wall of China

So I'm going to try something different here with the pictures. I'll see if a slideshow is okay for everyone? The advantage is that it takes a lot less time to put together these posts, as I don't have to sift through all the pictures. Plus the bonus is that you get to see all the pictures and not just a handful of them that I have chose as the best.... I hope this works out, and I would love to know which one you prefer.

The great wall runs along the western and northern part of China. It just so happens to also be in the Northwestern portion of Beijing. So of course while we were there, we had to go visit the wall. I will take this moment to point out how massive Beijing is. Not just in view of population, which is quite massive, but in area. There really aren't many skyscrapers in Beijing. Instead the entire city is spread out over a massive amount of area. Thus, the Northwestern portion is found the Great Wall of China.

The interesting thing about the great wall of China, is that for a long time it was seen to the Chinese as a symbol of oppression. As you can image, thousands of workers, basically slave labors, over hundreds of years were pulled into making this behemoth. Many deaths are found at the base of these walls. And so for a long time, the Great Wall of China was not a symbol of pride at all. Until one day, an American president, I think Nixon.... I'd have to double check that, visited China, and made a point of going to the Great Wall and exclaiming over how amazing it was. Since then, the Western perspective, that of the Great Wall being a great Wonder of the World has prevailed. And, as you can see in the pictures, hundreds of thousands of tourists from China and abroad visit the wall, and it is seen as a national symbol and a thing of pride. But this is, a new found sentiment.

Anyways, the Great wall is a massive sprawling beast, extending as far as the eye can see in both directions. Interesting fact is that it is made winding, and has rises and falls because demons can only walk in straight lines. No kidding. Anyways, I hope you enjoy the pictures. This was one thing that I've always wanted to do in my life. Visit the Great Wall of China.