Today we traveled to the Great Wall of China, and it was incredible! Upon arrival, we found out that Mexico’s President, Felipe Calderon Hinojosa, was visiting as well. We had to wait outside the wall, packed like sardines, for about an hour. For a while, I didn’t think we were going to make it inside. However, once the crowd started moving, it was like a current of human bodies pushing me inside! Once we made it actually onto the Great Wall, it was unbelievable! The stairs were so steep. I was very impressed at the numerous couples who appeared to be in their 80s, making their way to the top of the Wall. However, coming down was a steep slope. I actually slipped and fell, along with two other Mizzou students. It was pretty funny!Now, just for some brief history… The Great Wall of China was built, rebuilt, and maintained between the 6th century BC and the 16th century to protect the northern borders of the Chinese Empire from Xiongnu attacks. The Great Wall stretches over approximately 4,000 miles from Shanhaiguan in the east to Lop Nur in the west, along an arc that roughly delineates the southern edge of Inner Mongolia, but stretches over 4,160 miles in total. At its peak, the Ming Wall was guarded by more than one million men. It has been estimated that somewhere in the range of 2 to 3 million Chinese died as part of the centuries-long project of building the wall.
Sarah
1 comment:
Sarah you are doing a great job gettting us all involved in the olympics, China style! I'm learning from everyones blog. I was amazed at all you've experiences in each day. Thanks for capturing so much to share with us. I can't believe how many people lost their lives in the building on the great wall. How great that you engage our hearts as well as our minds with what you choose to share in these blogs. Enjoy each day and know you are in our thoughts and prayers. Blessings, Debbie P.
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