The Wall

Before I get onto when and where it started to get fun, and when I ended up looking like Hulk Hogan but a damn sight more terrifying, a few words need to be said on the wall.

You can read a lot of books, have the talk, see the museum and look at as many photos as time allows but nothing can prepare you for its splendour and size. Its very humbling to have walked for hours and to see the zig zagging of the wall all around you. I was close to tears and I wasn't even pre-menstrual (but I had eaten some kendal mint cake.. it does odd things to you). U cant quite grasp the complexity of the construction, the work that went into building it, the labours and loves and life and death that it must have seen..not to mention the sweaty arses of many groups hauling themselves up it.

The people seem to be part of the wall too.. it's in their hearts as well as their homes - they are proud of it. I really liked the Chinese people we met. They were warm, funny, friendly and welcoming... well except the farmer with the axe that kept us hostage for 30 minutes on a ledge....

I don't think I am the only person who has gazed on the wall and tried to express the emotions they are feeling. To wonder what they can say that can even give the slightest hint of the power, beauty, colour and immensity of the zig zagging dragons back. To have taken a deep breath and to nodding heads in agreement uttered the only words possible ..... " Fuck me"