World China Tianjin Tianjin

World Cruise Part 2 Feb 6-April 21, 2013

Tianjin (Beijing), China Mar 15, 2013

Tianjin, China is the gateway port to Beijing as well as some well preserved sections of the Great Wall. After a 2 ½ hour bus ride we arrived at the Hangyaguan section of the northern section of the great wall. The ride as through some of the most rural and rustic areas you will find in China in contrast to the massive urban centers we experienced in Shanghai and Hong Kong. This section of the wall, unfortunately, is some of the steepest and “rustic” of the sections open to the public to visit and walk. Cheryl decided it was a good idea and a good calorie burner to walk all the way to the top, or in this section the 4th tower! When I stood at the bottom and looked up to the end site, I could not agree that this was such a good idea! With that said, I lost the argument and away we walked! After about ten rest stops and countless uneven steps later, we made it to the top! I thought the pain was over at that point, but I was wrong! Coming back down these uneven steps proved more painful to then knees and ankles than the trek up was to the calf and thigh muscles! I am tempted to schedule another massage on our sea day tomorrow to recuperate! The wall itself is a feat of wonder. It was started in 200 BC and finished sometime in 200 AD and extends for more than 8,000 kilometers which is about 4,800 miles! Mindboggling! We are off for our second visit to middle and southern China. Be Well.

Michael and Cheryl