The morning started with an interview for the Hequ TV station. The reporter came at nine, and by ten o’clock we were finished. That’s the most effective interview so far! My Chinese is pretty basic.  After the interview I thought it a good idea to practice how to answer the most commonly asked questions. What on earth are you doing!? Why? What do you think about this town or Province?

Speaking of Chinese – I decided to start asking people to write down all the questions I cannot understand. Then I will ask someone who speaks English to teach me what they mean. This should be a good way to learn quickly. (Should have started a long time ago…)

It was chilly by the Yellow River this morning. Two women were practicing Tai Chi with colourful fans. It was a picturesque scene with the river flowing slowly by in the background.

The Great Wall of China mainly runs close to the river bank here, but twice it went up the hills to the east. I have started noticing watchtowers with a round shape now. Not round in the sense of sugar poured on a table, but the shape of an inverted cup.

For the first time on the walk, I found a watchtower with intact brickwork both outside and inside. I hope this will become a more common sight in Shanxi. These watchtowers are nice for a rest or to get away from the cold wind.

The ‘future’ doesn’t look too bright for my part. The forecast says minus 23C for tomorrow night, and minus 22C the following. Both are beyond my limit. I will spend time tonight to find out how to keep the progress up despite the  cold nights.

20 Kilometres today