After another very special breakfast, we got on a freeway. On the way the police stopped traffic and directed all vehicles to pull to the side of the road and stop so that some police escorted dignitaries could safely travel along the road. World governments are sending very high officials to Beijing to attend this very important 70th anniversary parade and air show celebrating the end of World War 2 in the Pacific.
Soon we stopped at the Sacred Way of the Ming Tombs. We found ourselves strolling along a peaceful walkway lined with beautiful weeping willow trees. We passed statues of lions, elephants, and many other animals along the way. The sky in the whole area of Beijing is blue and clear of smog now. The factories have been shut down for several weeks preparing for the arrival of high level officials from all over the world for the holiday tomorrow.
Beijing is a huge area that is not only in the main city area, but it continues throughout the countryside and into the mountains. 
The Jade Factory was our next stop. A knowledgeable employee told us many things about jade. I didn’t realize that there are many colors of jade and that fine quality jade will scratch glass. We observed some artists carving intricate designs in jade with special electric tools.
Then we were given about an hour to browse and shop. A saleslady followed me around the cases in the large showroom so that she could immediately show me pieces of jewelry that interested me. I purchased a beautifully carved bangle bracelet and a ring. Michael, our guide, explained the meaning of the carvings on the bracelet which he thought perfect for a woman of my experience: healthy, wealthy, longevity, and happiness! I also got two multilayered hand carved Generation Family Unit Balls. The outer circle symbolizes the grandparents, the next layer is the children, then the middle of the ball is the grand children. 
After we had finished shopping, we were served another Chinese lunch at the factory restaurant. Then we continued on our way for an hour’s drive to the Mutianyu Section of the Great Wall that is in the mountains. There are eight sections of the Great Wall. They now call the wall a friendship bridge between China and other countries.
A tower on the wall
What an amazing experience it was to walk on the Great Wall of China! This section had a lot fewer tourists. The step rise varied from maybe three inches to the normal step rise. There were also areas of just paved path. Paul and I explored the wall by ourselves, finally meeting up with another couple on the tour. We found that two hours to explore was plenty of time, so we descended the mountain to meet the group at the bottom. Our walk uphill to the wall was shortened by a cable car ride.
On the way back the bus stopped at what seemed to be a tour group restaurant. We were served a variety of Chinese dishes. I would give both restaurants today about a C if I were to grade them.
12,592 Steps/5.5 miles walked
