Great Wall, Forbidden City

We arranged a trip to the Great Wall of China today. The area of the wall we visited, Mutianyu, is about one hour forty minutes from our hostel. As we get closer, we pass through large orchards. Fruit stands are everywhere selling fresh fruit right off the trees. It is morning, so the haze adds an other-worldly quality to the scenery.

The Great Wall itself is stunning. It truly is everything you imagine and more. We were literally completely soaked from the heat and humidity. It was like rain forest conditions.

Even though we were practically wiped out from the lack of sleep, the hiking, and the weather, we had the driver drop us off at the Forbidden City on the way back to the hostel. We bought our tickets and started to look around. It is an amazing place.

If you've ever seen the film Mulan, you have to figure this guy was the inspiration for Mu Shu:

In the Imperial Garden:

By the time we reach the subway stop for our hostel, our feet are aching and we are toast. Another McDonald’s dinner (it’s a block from the hostel and we can’t make ourselves want to go out to dinner), watch some of the Olympics on their big television, then head back for some major rest.

Our first Olympic event is tomorrow. We’re pumped!