the Great Wall is really amazing. shudders to think how much sweat and blood it took to build this true wonder. the tour guide made a faux pas when referring to the black bears in the vincinity. She calls them 非洲黑熊 (african black bears) which had the whole bus collapsing in laughter. She had earlier warned us that the Great Wall may be blocked off temporarily because the 非洲人 (africans) are visiting that very day.

Beijing came under attack during our last 2 days, from the mongolian desert winds. the winds howl nonstop - we were forced to abandon our biking plans. we could hardly see with all the dust and leaves flying into our eyes.

was actually glad to be back in Shanghai.