Our first stop was a jade gallery where we were shown different types and colours of jade. It is the soft Jade that can be carved. Jadite is ornamental but is too heard to carve. Jade comes in many colours but the local jade here is pale green. They told us Jade is called a living stone as it absorbs water and oils and so the colour darkens over time.
Some of the carvings were amazing! Each piece is carved from a single piece of jade. One was a massive ship. Jason and I loved a pair of lions – one male 9with a ball under his paw) and a femail (with a cub under her paw). Pity they were $12000 EACH!
The drive to the Great Wall was quite quick! The first sight of it was breathtaking!!!!! Such an amazing image as it snakes through the mountains.
The mountains themselves were a sight to behold! They were quite steep and went on and on.
The bus dropped us off and we were in a valley between two mountains. The Great Wall steeply rose up in the two directions.
The climb was steep and tiring! I didn’t make it to the top of the mountain – although I climbed my share of steps! The step were really uneven – some were tiny rises while others required a very large step up to negotiate them!
It was just amazing to think that over 2000 years of history was below our feet! The section we were on was built in 206 BC and was renovated in the Ming dynasty between 1368 and 1644. The wall itself is 10000km long and goes through 9 provinces. It is the longest cemetery in the world as when workers died while building it, they were buried in the wall!
We took lots and lots of photos! While I sat on the terrace where I stopped I was able to take photos of those who continued up to the top.
The walk back down was quicker and we had time for a quick look through some shops just outside the gates. I couldn’t help but buy an “I climbed the Great Wall” T-shirt!
Our lunch today was dreadful! Very oily, greasy food that few of us could eat. The soup was the worst thing I have tasted on the entire trip. Yuck!!
The good news was I finally got through to Deb and Jeff and found out they had had a baby Boy while I was on the Great Wall of China!!!! Lachlan James. I was soooo excited I ran around the shop telling everyone! I even got a bit teary....
Our next stop was the Ming Tombs. This was the tomb of the Ming Emperors and Empresses. There is 13 Emperors buried here and 23 Empresses plus many many concubines.
It was nothing compared to the Qin Tomb (terracotta warriors). The grounds were lovely though and the buildings beautiful – but it was all a bit boring really.
By the time we headed up spirit road it had cooled down, the wind had got strong and it was starting to rain.
The spirit road was used to carry the Emperors body in his coffin through. It was to ensure his soul went to paradise. There were statues along the road with 12 human pairs and 6 sets of 4 animals – two standing and two resting.
They were quiet spectacular – but due to the weather we very quickly walked through.
Dinner was back at the Hotel – although we were late due to the terrible traffic!
After dinner Ting Ting organised massages for us. I found this one quite painful but Jason was very disappointed in his masseuse. Mind you at 150 Yuan (under $30) it was very cheap!
As is becoming a habit, we finished the night with pi jiu and snacks in Fiona and Idos room!
2 comments:
Looks like you had an amazing time in China Jo! Great photos and lots of memories to scrap!
wow wow wow at all your experiences in China. What a wonderful time!
Merry Christmas Jo - i wish you and your family all the best for 2010.
Hope Xmas day is a lovely one filled with fun, love and laughter.
mwah
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