China Blog - The Great Wall

Most of our delegation enjoyed the Great Wall this afternoon.  After a bus ride of approximately an hour we arrived and began our ascent of the wall.  As I climbed the uneven steps I couldn't help asking myself, "Can you imagine building this thing?"  Just as you'd think, the Wall extends as far as you can see.  And steep!  It was all we could do to walk a short distance.  It seemed we were walking straight up.  None of us could do it in one continuous trip.  All of us were panting!  We joked that we could call it the NUL team building event only because, luckily, everyone came back unhurt.
 
The bus next stopped at the Silk Market a few blocks from our hotel.  This place is a shoppers paradise.  Men were buying multiple suits.  One member of our delegation purchased 16 fitted shirts. Why? Bargain!  For example, I myself bought a cashmere scarf.  The price, according to the retailer, was listed at $400, but she was going to give me a special price.  That she did!  I walked out with the scarf and 4 silk ties for $60.00.  Think of a 7 story upscale Slauson Swapmeet where everything is negotiable.  Only in China.