Armed with my double water bottle holstered, uber-nerd fanny pack (with ergonomic upolsterd back pad), we set out on day three of our trip to become “Heroes” on the Great Wall.
As an American, I already consider myself a hero; a crusader of peace and justice, a bringer of freedom to all the world’s people (whether they want it or not), but today, I wanted to live up to Chairman Mao’s expectation for every Chinese citizen worth their soy sauce to climb the great wall at least once in their lifetime.
So what better place to accomplish this most honorable of endeavors but to participate in the swarm of humanity that is called Badaling.
Badaling is the most restored section of the Great Wall, practically rebuilt from the ground up to provide a proper location for the world’s Kodak moments and David Copperfield television specials. Likewise, it has all the telltale markings of a tourist’s wet dream (or nightmare depending on who you ask).
While a seasoned adventurer might choose a more authentic Great Wall experience by purposefully avoiding this area and opting for a half-day hike along many of the other equally beautiful and less crowded sections, Badaling has been masterfully designed to provide the most convenient point of entry for Great Wall (quarter)daytrippers.
First, and most importantly, there is a massive parking lot well-suited for the convoy of tour busses that haul their cargo to and fro each day. Secondly there are plenty of gift, snack and coffee shops to provide a comfortable retreat for weary trekkers after their harrowing 15 minute march to a point high enough on the wall to snap a good pic. And of course, there are the numerous, ever-present peddlers hocking mao wat
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