Wow What a Beautiful day.

clear sky, nothing but blue sky (no smog)

this gives you an idea how steep it is,

April 6, Wow what a day, the Great Wall and a car wreck.

Wow How Great is Our God.   We had the most beautiful weather today that I have ever seen in Beijing. It was the kind of day I have always imagined for being at the Great Wall to take photos.   The temperature was great and more importantly the recent rain cleared up all the smog and visibility was fabulous.  

We headed out toward the great wall and stopped at the jade factory,   It is very neat to see how they carve the jade into items.  They also have a huge jade store there and we were able to see many items that we can not afford but it was great to see them.  We had time to get to know our travel group a bit better.

After this we went to the Great Wall of China.   We went to a new spot that we had not climbed before.   It was steep but the view was great.  We both made it to the top of the section we were climbing, there were some very tall steps where our legs burned.  The view was beyond description.

at the top of the wall section we climbed.

After the wall  George took us for a great lunch at the Klosinet factory.   We were able to shop in the store and pick up a few small items and to again see many items we can not afford.   It is amazing the inflation they have seen over here combined with the lower value of the dollar.  We looked at a vase we had purchased a few years ago and could not dream of buying it now due to the high price.  When we purchased a few years back it was $250 and was probably worth $1000 in the US, today that vase was about $1000.

Our next stop was the Olympic Park.  On the way there we were talking about the traffic and how you rarely see accidents on the roads here.   Well before long we were in an accident.   This little car was running on the right shoulder passing between our big tour bus and the wall and he cut in front of us and stopped.  The bus slammed into the car.  No one was hurt and damage was very minimal but it delayed us a bit to get the police report etc.  It was interesting to see the drivers arguing and all.

We finally made it to the Birds Nest and Water Cube where the 2008 Olympics were held.  We had time to take a few quick photos and then we headed to the Acrobatics Show.   We saw many vendors selling their goods and saw some beautiful kites.

Water cute on the left, torch tower in the center and birds nest on the right

To wrap up the day we had the Acrobat Show.  We were a bit disappointed as the show was not the same one we have seen in the past, it was a smaller theater and the show was not as good but it was still very worth going to see.

The acrobat show.

 

Now time to pack up because in the morning we fly out to Shaun’s province to prepare to meet him on Monday.  Remember our Monday is your Sunday night so say a prayer for us as we meet Shaun.