Our First Visitors - The Rollins Visit Beijing

Scott and LaDonna Rollins, in-laws to our daughter, came Beijing for a short visit at the end of March.

 It was only 2 1/2 days but we filled it with lots of sights, shopping, and good food.

Right away we went to see the Great Wall of China. It is an amazing experience. Its orgins began before Christ for defense. It is estimated to be more than 6,200 miles long.

This man is dressed as a Mongol.   

The section we visited, Mutianyu, was reconstructed during the Ming dynasty, 1368 - 1644, to defend against attack from the Manchus and Mongols from the north.   This section was restored in 1986.

We took a cable car to the top of the mountain, then walked along the Great Wall.  The panorama views were breathtaking.    Luckily we visited during the week in a non tourist time of year. 

Many areas were very steep and climbing steps or walking was difficult.

At the end of our walk along the Great Wall we rode down on a luge sled. What a thrill to wind around on a metal luge run with the wind screaming through your hair!  Flat Parker came with us.  (A school project for our grandson.)

We stopped for lunch at a small town close to the Great Wall.  Just outside the resturant were these men playing cards ....

... and chinese checkers ...

... and one man repairing shoes.

Another day we made a visit to the 2008 Olympic grounds was amazing.   The Water Cube was huge.  

The Birdsnest stadium was a fabulous example of architecture.

It was a thrill just to stand inside the stadium and remember the amazing opening and closing ceremony.

A little toddler with a ‘panda’ haircut was adorable. 

Of course he had split pants which are typical of young children's clothing in China.

LaDonna in an olympic pose.

We were able to get a pictures with the olympic mascots.  We fit in just right!