The Great Wall

This photo is for my parents, I remember them having firecrackers when I was little, but they were nothing compared to this strand! It was huge!


I can't see this photo, it won't load for me, hopefully for you. I am thinking it is us on the wall, or just me. I really don't know!
It was a very steep climb!

Looking down about 3/4 from the top where our destination was. It was really cold too, but I guess that is what you get for going in February. We met another couple and their parents. They were from Utah. Small world isn't it?

If you book a tour, you will be dragged to different places before, during and after the all the Big sights you want to see. We first went to the Ming Tombs, where past emperors and their concubines were buried. Next we went to a Jade factory where we got to see Jade being caved and how to tell real Jade from fake Jade. Then we went to the Great Wall, after Lunch. Then we went to a silk factory (pictured above) where we got to see how silk was produced, and watch it be made into blankets. The last spot was Dr.-Tea, where we got to watch how a Tea Ceremony was conducted.
When we first booked our tour, we were really not wanting to go to these extra places. We heard through the grapevine that it was expected we buy things at these places because the tour guides get a certain amount of commission. It was only 100 Yuan for each of us, and we thought it would be worth it just so we didn't have to worry about getting lost or anything (plus paying a taxi/bus...it would be the same) So we booked the tour, and thought we won't buy anything... sorry tour guide!
It was really fun to see these places, we did buy a few cheap things, but it was really fun to see how things were made, and get a cultural experience. Would I recommend doing it? Ya, to get the experience, but if you are one that likes to blow money, watch out! ;-)