I just sold my old AppleTV, and replaced it with the latest version that supports Siri and apps and touch controlled remote and al that goodness. One of the nice little features is the screensaver, which gets updated with new footage every month, that shows stunningly beautiful full-HD fly-over videos of landmark places of our planet. One such place is a section of the Great Wall of China. And it reminded me that I really should dig through my photos from over 1.5 year ago now, when me and Veronika were walking a section of the wall, shortly after the Chinese New Year, in the middle of freezing winter. It's the most memorable walk I have made in my 36 years so far.
It took us about 3 hours to get to the wall, by bus and taxi, where we arrived closely before 8:30 in the morning. And we finished the walk in 6.5 hours at around 15:00 in the afternoon. Here's what that looks like on the map. Red is the walk on the wall. Blue is the approach by foot (top left), and descend by cable cart (bottom right)
It took us about 3 hours to get to the wall, by bus and taxi, where we arrived closely before 8:30 in the morning. And we finished the walk in 6.5 hours at around 15:00 in the afternoon. Here's what that looks like on the map. Red is the walk on the wall. Blue is the approach by foot (top left), and descend by cable cart (bottom right)
And this is what that looks like in the greater scheme of things. You can just about make out the little red line, north of Beijing.
Knowing that the wall stretches all the way from the sea far to the east, to somewhere far away in the west... maybe the photos can give you an idea of the enormous size and beauty of this wonder of the world.
When we arrived at the Wall there was this busy chitchatting group of western seniors arriving as well. Luckily they went in the opposite direction of us.
The place where we clambered onto the Wall was quite collapsed, which is why we could get on it, via a makeshift ladder, and we had to take a fair climber up over the rubble to the remains of the first tower. Once over there, the stunning views began rolling out in front of us where ever we looked.
The place where we clambered onto the Wall was quite collapsed, which is why we could get on it, via a makeshift ladder, and we had to take a fair climber up over the rubble to the remains of the first tower. Once over there, the stunning views began rolling out in front of us where ever we looked.
Off we went... Being all alone on that Great Wall, in the silence of the world, is an astounding feeling. There is so much history there. Standing there and thinking of the people who built this place, defended this place, assaulted this place, lived in this place... unfathomable.
The most challenging part of the walk came pretty soon in the journey. A part of the wall that was so badly collapsed that it basically meant a near-180-degree climb up the mountainside, being careful not to depend on loose bricks and stones. But, it was 'challenge accepted' and we soldiered on. Veronika went first. I followed, and eventually had to hoist my backpack up to her before being able to pull myself up there. We continued into the blinding winter sunlight across the peaks. The wall was so overgrown here that the path was almost tunnelled through the bushes.
We battled on and walked the walk. It was about 11 o'clock, and since we had gotten up very early, and been quite physically active, and half-frozen by now, we took a moment in one of the towers to cut up and eat some lovely Dutch cheese.
After lunch we felt a little better, but Veronika was getting more and more frozen. We got to a point where all she wanted was to get to the end, while I wanted to use this opportunity to take more photos. She clambered bravely ahead. I was so proud of her.
Looking back, the Wall section covered so far looked very impressive.
Looking ahead, we could sense we were approaching the home stretch. Even though distance-wise we had by now only covered a third of the day's trek, this was also the roughest part. We knew the next third was going to be a lot easier, and the final third would be along the touristy restored section of the wall, making that part extremely easy.
The upcoming third consisted for a big part of a huge detour that the wall made back up to the top of the mountain range, ensuring no surprise assault could be made upon it from higher ground. Great for the Chinese of the old days, but seemingly unnecessary if we hadn't been here for the beauty of it all!
The upcoming third consisted for a big part of a huge detour that the wall made back up to the top of the mountain range, ensuring no surprise assault could be made upon it from higher ground. Great for the Chinese of the old days, but seemingly unnecessary if we hadn't been here for the beauty of it all!
From here on the Wall became a lot easier and faster to walk.
And before we knew it we were on the restored section.
It was an amazing day. But also an exhausting day. Certainly something that's better to do during the warmer season, so we were happy to pass out in the bus back to Beijing. Going back here, and actually walking along the wall in the opposite direction for at least a week is now certainly the number 1 item on my traveling "to do" list.
