Where: The Great Wall, Ba Da Ling
Words: Scaling the Walls
To enter the Great Wall at Ba Da Ling, you must pass the vendors. I'm not exactly sure what they were selling (except hats—lots of hats), but each stand looked almost identical to its neighbors.
Then, suddenly:
Overpowering even the blaring classical music, Hollywood lighting, and gigantic Olympics billboard mounted on the pristine hillside like a cursive wart—the Great Wall is majestic.
The pathway walls are designed for peeking through, with strategic cutouts framing elegant slices of nature.
If you're looking for the ideal icebreaker in a foreign country, try bringing a friend with a mohawk. You'll have more random conversations than you ever imagined.
Another tip: Befriend an excellent translator. This garbage can apparently warns visitors not to talk on cell phones in inclement weather.
"don't call in thunder storm day"There are many delights available as you walk along the wall. Want to get a snapshot of yourself in full warrior regalia while carving your name on a camel? You're in luck.
I promise I'm not going for sultry here. This is what happens to girls with long hair and no sunglasses when it's windy.
© Stacey Duff
These elderly men with fantastic faces were just kind of hanging out. You know, on the Great Wall.
Even a short hike along the wall is a surefire aerobic workout. Check the steepness:
Given the angles involved, I trust you'll forgive us for taking the cable car back down to the bottom.
Feeling a little shaky after the cable car ride, I came across this here camel.
And I discovered that you really can find California beef noodles just about anywhere. Whew.
