Day+2+May+23


 * DAY 2: MAY 23** [[image:DSC_0065.JPG width="413" height="277" align="right" caption="The boys with Reagan and her new bear"]]

May 23rd (Su): Tour the Great Wall and Gongfu Exhibition

I t's late. Mr. Dunne and Mr. Levinson found a very intriguing shopping street nearby and took the boys back out for a look; just got back but wanted to provide a bit of an update before going to bed. The day started out with a very special gift from the boys to their new best friend, our guide Reagan. Last night, they bought a huge stuffed teedy bear, which they presented to Reagan when we met up with her this morning. Reagan was thrilled to say the least. We did a lot again today, including a tour of a jade factory, a kungfu show at the Red Theatre, a dinner at a Chinese Dai restaurant, but the event we'll all remember without a doubt was our tour of the Great Wall. The only disappointment was that we could not stay longer. With limited time on the Wall, most of us raced to see as much as we could see and climb as far as we could climb.

The journey culminated after a final climb of over 300 stairs before we had to turn around and hurry back in order to stay close to schedule. The pictures tell a story of breathtaking views and friends made along the way. What you don't see is how hot and sweaty and out of breath all of us were! Enough for now; don't worry if you don't find an update tomorrow. We take an overnight train from Beijing to Xi'an after another very busy schedule. There is little chance I'll have an internet connection after we check out tomorrow morning at least until we arrive in Xi'an. Rest assured that the boys and their chaperones are having a wonderful time!


 * [[image:DSC_0026.JPG width="252" height="380" align="left" caption="A view of the Wall"]] ||


 * [[image:DSC_0018.JPG width="380" height="252" caption="Vendors line the route to and from the Great wall, an opportunity for haggling"]] ||