While vacationing in China last summer I had the opportunity to visit “The Great Wall of China”. Combined with its technological feat and awesome presence the “Great Wall of China” could easy be one of mans’ most remarkable accomplishments. With its design and texture that stretch for miles it can be an overwhelming experience.

Construction of the Great Wall started in the seventh century B.C, it joined the

walls to hold off the invaders from the Xiongnu tribes in the north and extended them to

more than 10,000 li or 5,000 kilometers. Even a few miles away from the Great Wall its

self, you could already see the outline of the wall stretching for miles

Standing near the Great Wall I notice the cold stale air. It was hard to breathe and I had to constantly cough to keep my throat clear. Visiting this huge wall of block in the morning can be an unforgettable experience. The ground was muddy because it rained non-stop the previous day. Climbing up the stairways that leads up the “Great Wall”, I could hear all different languages spoken by the people who were in attendance. On top looking down sideways the wall seems to never end.

As far as my eyes could see the road seemed to travel forever. The weird intertwining design was a unique concept. Touching my hand against the hard brick wall, the texture of the brick was something I never felt before. The style in which the ancient Chinese constructed brick, it with stood the age of time and also forcing enemies from the north. While still pressing my hand against the brick I notice how cold and freezing the brick was. You could place your hand on the same place, but if to long your hand would start to freeze up. Bricks that were used to create the sidewalls were

different then the ones made for the walkway.

Every half-mile stood tower post where the ancient Chinese warriors would look out for attacks. There are no windows, and for emergencies there are rope ladders that can be tossed over the wall for escaping or warning the city of attack. You could smell the odor that seems to rise up from the bricks, also the damp musty smell of surrounding forest that you can’t escape from. The smell is tolerable and the only thing I tried to avoid was stepping into large puddles of water, even though there were old men and women using what looks like a makeshift broom to shuffle the water into the water ducts. The water didn’t mind me as much as the walk up and down the walkway.

If you’re going to visit the “Great Wall of China” I advise that you be in good psychical condition. Because the “Great Wall” goes on for sixteen miles and most of the walk is up hill. I notice that the local townspeople use the walkway for an exercise facility. They’re dressed up in their sweats with the American brand shoes and were kind enough to smile and gesture to the passing tourist. After an hour of walking seamlessly I decided to rest and enjoy the view.

The scenery rivaled the “Great Wall” in its beauty and calming presence. Looking outwards to the north all I could see is lush green vegetation. The color of the hills radiate with life and in the distance you could see patches of smoke that local villagers use to warm their house or cook their meals. The sky has started to clear up and my visibility was enhanced. Now from all directions, I could see as far as my eyes took me. I visualized how it must of felt living in ancient day China. Looking over the north watching for invaders, and from the south observing the villages play out their daily routine. How it must of felt for the soldiers to have such a great responsibility. They were literally protectors of all China.

The emotion and insignificant I felt standing near one of our greatest accomplishment I will never forget. I would like to say I will make it back for a second visit, but if not, I could proudly say that I experince one of the greatest feat man has ever created. A project that transcends even our own planet for it is the only man made structure viewable from outer space.

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