My Unexpected Lesson In China

While in Shanghai, I visited several small galleries featuring young Chinese artist.

I discovered the art now in China sends a message.

Ifagallery featured Christin Kalweit.

Christin chose barb wire to send her message....
" There is no innocence, only different levels of responsibility"


In her art...the razor wire seems to be harmless, not revealing its true purpose..
"the refined blades / our words / thoughts / decisions / actions / reactions just keep on rolling un-noticing / neglecting the traces left behind. "

I went to China with an open mind...not knowing how the trip would change me...
But never expected such a profound message.

This message has crept into my mind often...and already in only a few weeks...it has stopped me, and had me rethink and make some changes.

We think we are innocent....but are we???



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The Great Wall of China

Travel books do not capture the grandness of The Great Wall of China.
After climbing to 20 towers in 3 hours...my legs begged no more towers, no more stairs, no more steps.

I wanted to see the wall in the rough...chose the section Jinshanling where most of the wall is still in original condition.



Now to choose a tour group...
I didn't want a big tour bus or a tour company that included the forced stops at factory shops...I had read many horror stories.

I stumbled on a comment in a virtual tourist site that praised a small tour from a Beijing hostel,
" Peking Downtown Backpackers".

Turned out to be a gem of a find!!

Little more than a dozen interesting travelers from all over the world...like me, interested in an adventure rather than a touristy moment.




After a 3 hour van ride from Beijing...a strong wind greeted us (notice the blown hair).
There were frequent patches of snow still remaining along the wall, reminding us to step carefully.






The view from inside the towers gave you reason to pause, take a breather, and enjoy the beauty.



The wall followed the mountains....sometimes straight up!



I received my wish...unrestored and original.



Finding a safe place for the next step was not always easy.



A place like no other!