China unveiled!

I spent the last two weeks in China, more specifically Shanghai and Beijing. I must say, Shanghai food is amazing! But the opportunity to walk those 10km on the unrestored section of the Great Wall from Jinshanling to Sumaya was something that will stay with me for the rest of my life (just like Machu Pichu, Peru). And it was just in time too.

As I was walking the wall with one of the local ladies, she told me that the government was planning to build a cable car route to the point halfway between Jinshanling and Sumaya (which is 3 hours from Beijing by private bus), and in doing so, likely restore that part of the wall. She told me of how she provided for her family by walking two hours to the wall and selling souvenirs to tourists, and how although they normally grow rice and barley in the hills, there has been no rain to grow anything the last couple months. Oh, and she told me that they have no income in the winter when there are no tourists.

Such a difficult life, but she was so happy and seemed not at all intimidated by the gigantic hurdles in her life. It's quite inspiring. It's so amazing to think how much can change in such a small time and how much one can accomplish, especially something that has been around for the longest time. China is changing quickly, just compare Beijing before and after the Olympics. I definitely recommend you visit China soon, and then maybe again when it has finished modernizing itself.

I took quite a number of photos (4xx something or so). Enjoy!

beijing/shanghai 09