Here we are approaching sections of the wall from our tourist bus.
This was obviously first put up for the Olympics
And here we are! Our little family at a very big wall. 
We had a couple of hours to climb around and take some pictures. After climbing Mount Fuji two weeks prior to coming here I wasn't feeling too ambitious, but we did climb quite a ways.
Lilia loved the Great Wall!
So did we! It was definitely worth the expensive visas and the travel time to check this wonder out. It was really incredible. I don't know how they did it all of those years ago. Some places the walls are so steep that you are practically climbing on your hands upward!
We had a great day for seeing the wall. It was sunny and warm, but not hot. 
Great Wall Graffiti. 
Some of the surrounding were just gorgeous on their own!
Obviously some renovations have taken place over the years and they have added railings for your traveling convenience. 
Can you see the walls off in the distance? This thing is like 4,000 miles long or something. Or maybe Kilometers... I can't remember. Either way... pretty GREAT!
Me and the Lilia!
On our way home we drove by Olympic Park and saw the Bird's Nest and the Water Cube. Notice the McDonald's immediately outside of the water cube. 
After a busy first day in Beijing we decided to take our next day a little slower. We had a "spa" day. That is my idea of a real vacation. We lounged at the pool and I spent some time in the steam room and whirlpool. Cliff and I both got Chi foot massages done. It was relaxing and heavenly. Our masseuse had studied Chinese Medicine at a university for four years and had done an additional year of study/ residency at a hospital. Unlike in the States where Chinese medicine, massage, chiropractics, etc. is considered "alternative" medicine, the Chinese recognize these practices at legit! Our masseuse could tell all kinds of things about our lives and health from our feet! She could tell that I have severe headaches and don't sleep well just from my feet. That blew me away. Cliff was equally amazed by her knowledge and skill. I wanted to pack her in my suitcase. So here we are at the pool. We were the only ones using it!
Lilia enjoyed her spa day too.
Here she is maxin' and relaxin' with her daddy. 
Our adventures continue in the last post!
