4/5/2009 The Great Wall at Badaling

Today was a treat. Wu Wei, Claire's cousin, graciously took us to the Great Wall of China. He also photographed the entire tour, and he is no amateur. He gave us so many great photos, but we can only post a few. Note the one in the header is his, too.

The crowds were thick this day since it was a holiday weekend. We did not get far up the mountain traversing the Wall before Miriam refused to go any further. I stayed back with her, while everyone else continued. I got some Mei Mei time.

The Chinese tourists often wanted to take pictures with our girls, and they got thousands of second glances. I believe they are just curious about them as to what is their racial makeup. We had a great time. Just imagining what it must have taken for men to build thousands of miles of wall without machines, is sort of mind boggling, isn't it?

Later we spent time the Wu Family at Wu Wei's apartment. I cannot begin to tell how well we were treated. We felt welcome and loved.

Uncle Wu Wei really took an interest in the kids and made their time in Beijing a special one.

We will always remember with smiles how our Chinese family took care of us while we were in Beijing.