Great Wall and Bird's Nest

In 2008, we climbed the Great Wall at Mutianyu. This time, we went to the Badaling section, which is probably the most popular and commercial section. However, we arrived early, and it was bitterly cold, with strong winds, so for us there were no crowds to fight. The views were beautiful, as the air was sharp and clear. We decided to skip the cable car and walk up the steep beginning section, which was tiring but fun. Our guide, Sandy, did not join us on the Wall -- I think she thought we were a little nuts, given the temperature.

Because we went to the Olympic park after the Great Wall and lunch, we were not with a larger group. It was just Sandy, a driver, and the two of us. She told us interesting stories about the building of the Great Wall and some of the legends that surround it.

We ate lunch at a Cloisonne factory -- not the same Cloisonne factory we visited in 2008 -- then headed back to Beijing to visit the Olympic park. The Bird's Nest and Water Cube are as spectacular in person as on TV. We were able to go inside the Bird's Nest, where a winter sports festival was going on. The Water Cube is under renovation, but the outside view was lovely.

We walked A LOT today, so we might feel it tomorrow during the orientation session!

(p.s. We tried to post more photos, but mobile posting limits attachments. Maybe we'll have more luck in Xi'an.)