The cool, crisp mountain air refreshed me, a Texas boy. An aura of adventure emanated from the lush green slopes, beckoning for the climb, for someone to conquer its legendary path of stone. An hour by bus outside Beijing, the Great Wall has stood for thousands of years as a testament to the iron will of Chinese people both past and present: masons sweating blood to construct it, and their progeny craving to experience its magnificent history.
The path stretched before us, an ostensibly gentle climb, higher and higher into mountain mist. At first the stairs were easygoing and my mom, grandma, brother and I, sauntered leisurely up the steps, enjoying the ambience of the infinitely expansive verdant peaks cradling around us, veiled mysteriously in fog. We passed the first tower, aspiring for the fourth, Beibalou, the highest point of this portion of the wall. Although the steps gradually became more aggressive, we eventually planted our flag at the second tower as well. Only a fraction of climbers were said to reach the top, but heck, we were already halfway there.
Somewhere along the way, the Texas sun found me halfway across the globe, radiating its fierce blaze relentlessly upon us from the cloudless sky. The shield of early air had completely dissipated, penetrated by the adamant pounding of midday heat. I stood alone with my grandma at the door of the third tower with only one stretch left to climb, abandoned by my brother ,who had regrettably succumbed to blistering heat and feet, and mother who accompanied him down. The wall had surprised us, enraged by the scorching sun, and begun to steepen its path, heighten its stairs, rebuffing those who had not the stamina and stalwart resolve to continue. But I didn’t cower so easily, a vivacious spud of sixteen, and neither did my grandmother. Seventy-five years of arduous fieldwork, seventy-five years of travail in the wheat fields had imbued in this stout woman a determination and pride as inexorable as the time biting at her body. Raising five children in a squalid rural existence had been a life’s climb in itself, so there wasn’t any worldly thing she believed insurmountable. She started up, and I found myself having to catch up.
Hardy as my grandmother’s spirit was, she eventually required help and support to make it up the steps. I became a human walking cane, slowly lifting her up, carefully securing each step as we climbed against the slope. The wall was no longer just a path of stone, but a thrashing behemoth. It undulated up and down as the back of a sea monster, and the possibility of slipping down the precipitous down-slopes required as much diligence in movement as the climbs. We were both soaked through in sweats of labor, but not once did my grandma complain or wish to rest; we plowed ahead incessantly, taming whatever grade was ahead. Eventually, the beast shed its scales and became smooth, stepless. We clung to the handrails, boosting and straining. Beibalou was as close as an arm’s reach, but if I reached, I might have fallen.
As Grandma rested and enjoyed the panorama, I couldn’t help but think of the trials she had faced throughout her life. She lived through world wars, revolutions, and motherhood, but was still hungry to face the next challenge. I realized a newfound respect not only for my grandma, but also the tenacious plebian society of China she epitomized. I felt much privilege in being grandson of strength and vigor itself, and confident that our descent would only be our next adventure.
Notes on pictures-my brother is in the red shirt, mom in the blue, grandma in black, me in gray. The last shot is the bus parking lot for tourists.
Dear Reader: This page may contain affiliate links which may earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase. Our independent journalism is not influenced by any advertiser or commercial initiative unless it is clearly marked as sponsored content. As travel products change, please be sure to reconfirm all details and stay up to date with current events to ensure a safe and successful trip.
0 Replies to “Great Wall of China”
Comment on this article
This enthusiastic blog provides a huge list of 51 varied and exciting summer vacation ideas for families, offering options from theme parks to national parks both near and far.
Absolutely love the insights you’ve shared in this blog!
Hi there, just became aware of your blog through Google, and found that it’s truly informative.
I am gonna watch out for brussels. I’ll be grateful if you continue this in future.
A lot of people will be benefited from your writing.
Cheers!
Lovely just what I was looking for.Thanks to the author for taking his clock time on this one.
wow
Great read! I really appreciated the insights you shared—especially the way you broke things down in a clear and relatable way. Looking forward to more content like this. Keep up the great work!
Traveling to Aruba promises an unforgettable escape. From white-sand beaches to clear turquoise waters, this Caribbean gem invites you to create memories that will last a lifetime. Don’t forget your sunscreen and sense of adventure!
Thanks very nice blog!
Way cool! Some extremely valid points! I appreciate you penning this write-up plus the rest of the site is very good.
This article was very informative thank you!
For the people that are planning to go to Aruba, I would also suggest this website: https://canitravel.net/countries/aruba . I used it last month when I went to Aruba and it always had up-to-date travel restrictions. I hope this helps 🙂
Nice post!
Hey There. I found your blog using msn. This is a really well written article.
I’ll make sure to bookmark it and return to read more of your useful information. Thanks
for the post. I will definitely comeback.
This is such helpful information! Traveling with minors can get complicated, and having all the required documents ready makes the process so much smoother. Thanks for breaking it down so clearly!
Great blog! I really enjoyed reading it. The way you explained everything in such simple and clear words made it easy to follow. Sometimes blogs can get too technical or confusing, but this one was straight to the point and very helpful.
I got good info from your blog
Keep working ,great job!
I haven’t checked in here for a while as I thought it was getting boring, but the last few posts are great quality so I guess I’ll add you back to my daily bloglist. You deserve it my friend 🙂
I had the chance to experience Denmark during the Christmas season, and it’s something I’ll always hold close to my heart. Tivoli Gardens in Copenhagen felt like stepping into a storybook. The way the entire park was dressed in soft, glowing lights, handmade decorations, and the comforting scent of mulled wine in the air made every moment feel special.
There’s a unique warmth about this place that isn’t just from the cocoa or winter drinks, but from the people, the laughter, and the little traditions scattered around every corner. Watching families gather, children’s faces light up at the sight of the reindeer, and the simple joy of wandering through beautifully decorated stalls reminded me how lovely the holiday season can be.
It’s not just about the decorations or the rides — it’s the feeling of togetherness, the calm, and the way time seems to slow down so you can really take in the small, meaningful moments. I left with a heart full of good memories and a deep appreciation for the charm and kindness of Danish traditions.
If you ever get the chance to visit, I promise it’s a place that will stay with you long after you’ve left.
The article is full of information , thanks for such a good knowledge.
This article is incredibly informative and well-structured. It offers clear, practical guidance on a topic many travelers often overlook—traveling with minors. The detailed breakdown of required documents and the emphasis on consent letters provide much-needed clarity for parents and guardians planning a trip. A must-read for anyone traveling with children!
Great article! I completely agree with your points.
Keep up the good work
Excellent post however I was wanting to know if you could write a litte more on this topic?
I’d be very thankful if you could elaborate a little bit further.
Thanks!
Hi, yes this post is genuinely nice and I have learned lot of things from it concerning blogging. thanks.
Excellent post! I found your analysis both engaging and informative. Well done.
I have been absent for some time, but now I remember why I used to love this web site. Thanks, I will try and check back more often. How frequently you update your web site?
Very interesting information!Perfect just what I was searching for!
Youre so cool! I dont suppose Ive read anything like this before. So good to search out anyone with some unique thoughts on this subject. realy thanks for starting this up. this website is one thing that’s needed on the internet, someone with a bit originality. helpful job for bringing one thing new to the internet!
Thank you for such praise, I am glad I could present the material in a way that made you want to see and experience St. Augustine’s Black history for yourself.
Of course, this beach town has lots more to offer but if you are willing to walk the lanes and dig a little bit, the history of the first Blacks and how much they contributed to protecting the colony is fascinating.
Hope you get there and enjoy your trip.
Your trip sounds absolutely incredible! Lisbon is truly a magical city, and your experience during the EuroCup must have made it even more special. If anyone reading this is planning a trip to Lisbon, I highly recommend taking a free walking tour to explore the city’s rich history, charming streets, and hidden gems with a local guide. You can check out this great option: https://www.guruwalk.com/lisbon. It’s a fantastic way to get an insider’s perspective on the city!
It’s iin reality a great and helpful piece oof info.
I’m satisfied that you shared this helpful information with us.
Please keep us informed like this. Thank you for sharing
Great content for cruise lovers !! One of the most advantage of cruising is you do not have to pick your luggages every day , and every day you discover a new country. Although one day is not enough to see everything it gives an idea about a country ! With my experience since 2007, 99,9% of my guest said that Kusadasi/Turkey is their favorite port among all the other ports. Because we have a lot of options for every traveler. The most popular places , if your ship is docking at Kusadasi, is Ephesus ancient city which is only 25 min. drive away. Ephesus was the 4th largest ancient city of the world in 2 c AD.Most of the ruins are reconstructed and gives an idea about Roman’ glorious times. If you ever visit Ephesus, I suggest you to see Terrace Houses , where the rich were living and houses are decorated with beautiful mosaics and frescoes from 3rd c AD.If you want to add a spiritual break , thats House of Virgin Mary is there. It is believed that she was taken by St. John the apostle to there.Another place you must see Ephesus Museum.. Forget all that boring museums you have seen . While guiding , I explain the most interesting artifacts , including original staue of Artemis. BTW. did you know that one of seven wonders of ancient world was located there? Well… not so much left , but it is still worth to be seen. If you ever visit Kusadasi,and want to have private tour, please feel free to contact with me ! I am very happy to answer your questions and customize your trip to Ephesus. Please visit my website,not only for Ephesus trip but also to get an idea about my beloved country Turkey/Turkiye. You can see different types of tours that I organize. Archaeological , culinary or lets customize your tour to Turkey together!! luxurytoursofturkey.com/