The valley we have been following lately is called the Hexi Corridor. As we moved on today, we started to notice subtle differences in the landscape. The mountains to the left are smaller, a valley takes off to our right in a Y junction and the valley we are following also starts bearing off to the right too.
As we closed in on a fascinating Beacon Tower, we almost ended up becoming part of the landscape. Just in front of the tower there was a four metre/twelve foot wide pit that we noticed just in time. As we got closer a bird of prey suddenly flew out from a hole and scared us. We went closer to the edge but could not see the bottom. We didn’t dare get too close to the edge for fear of the earth falling in on us. I hope the kids in the area stay far away from this pit.
Perhaps some of these geographical attributes of the area can explain why Shandan, where we are now, became a famous centre for horse breeding. The Mongolians could get in to the valley where the mountians were not so high and the place is close to the junction of three valleys.
We have followed The Wall wherever we found it. Tomorrow we expect a continuous Wall, or even two, as in some places the Ming Dynasty Great Wall lies only ten metres away from the Han Dynasty Great Wall.
We walked 23 km today and are content, and so are our bodies. We might spend the day tomorrow taking pictures of ourselves in the landscape and at our tent camp tomorrow evening. It is far too easy to walk the entire Great Wall without taking any pictures showing us out there! Thanks for the reminder Tor.
As we walked in to Shandan at around 7.30 PM, we were greeted with many ‘Hellos’ from kids on their way from school.
7:30 PM? are the kids going to school at night?
Did you mean after school class ?
Sue
Hi Sue,
Yep, they went to school at 7.30 pm in the evening. Perhaps to do buke (extra lessons) or home work.
Very impressive, although I do not envy them. The school pressure is too big!
Another thing we noticed and appreciated is that “loose” things by the roads etc are left alone. In the UK, and perhaps in Norway, the young idiots spoil loose things within the day.
The west shurely need to refind their sense of respect, respect for teachers, respect for the older generation. (and perhaps a bit more imposed dicipline?)
So far, we have never felt threatended in any way. Ok, some people are a bit rude, but generally we have been received very well. I feel more threatened when in some places in Scotland! (Sorry guys)