Our time in the Temple of Heaven was spent viewing the Temple and watching the local retirees dance, practice Tai Chi, kick around a shuttlecock/hack-e-sack, play paddle ball, and generally hang-out.
The Jade Factory was an introduction to Jade quality and the main motivating factor of our Chinese hosts (Governmentally speak, not Eason & Emily): Commerce!
The Great Wall hike was life changing and a reaffirmation that the world holds many great wonders both made of stone and flesh.
Rick and Marissa shared their moment with us all...setting an emotional tone within our group that lasted the trip, and which I am confident will last a lifetime.
The mist and the clouds made the going up easier...but far from easy! And, the smiles and connections shared with the international travelers gathering at the top made the huffing, puffing, and sweating a badge of honor...we were all HEROS!
The rainy Dragon Valley boat ride and escalator extravaganza was sort of like getting to go through a tourist village on a day it was supposed to be closed! We had the place to ourselves and were cooled off by a pleasant rain, which started as soon as we got on the boat...and stopped as soon as we disembarked.
The Cloisonne Factory was more commerce mixed with mind blowing artisanship & attention to detail: Part shopping / Part living museum!
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