Monday, 27 March 2023. Walking up and across and down the Juyongguan Great Wall today was a great way to celebrate one month in China, and connect with my grandfather’s ancestral roots.
While I marvelled at the engineering to build the great wall, I also held a running commentary as I struggled up the steps that at times I had to crawl up… steep and unnaturally high. I can honestly say that I admire the gumption of the ancient warriors who had to run up and down those uneven, breakneck steps at breakneck speeds wearing full armour and carrying heavy weapons. I wonder how many injuries were caused in that workplace?
The easy start, Juyongguan Great Wall, Beijing, China. Photo: SLCT
At any rate, I walked 4,000 metres of the Juyongguan Great Wall today, breathing deeply, and watching my every step, staying away from the sides and the wide crenelles, pausing often, not to catch my escaping breath, but to catch my breath in awe at my surroundings, and my tiny presence in history.
My destination, Juyongguan Great Wall, Beijing, China. Photo: SLCT
By the way, our guide assurred that the Great Wall cannot be seen from space and no bodies are buried within its walls or underneath. Good to know, as I kept walking, breathing, looking, and being in the present….as elder Chinese men and women gamely strode past me surefooted on the steps and pavement. Secret to long life, surely.
Almost at the top, Juyongguan Great Wall, Beijing, China. Photo: SLCT