Well, what can I say? I am back from with almost 300 photos, 22 new friends and hundreds of memories. Having had an idea of what this trip would entail and a pre-made concept of what the trek would be like, I have to say that the entire experience has blown me away. Completely excelled my expectations on every level. Although this was a challenging adventure, it is one that I am finding difficult to put into words to anyone else. I can’t really explain how I felt when I saw the splendour of the Great Wall for the first time, or the honour to be so warmly welcomed into the lives of the local farmers during our trek and I know that no amount of words will ever enable people to appreciate the Great Wall of China for all its worth unless they are to visit it themselves.
The trek brought many different challenges. Hiking along unrestored ruins, trekking through and up mountain ranges, climbing up hundreds of steps, tackling exhaustion, humidity and heights is no easy feat but only adds to what I can honestly say is the best thing I have ever done. Despite the tough parts, I have experienced so much during this trip that I feel fortunate to have experienced. Spending time with the local villagers, eating their food, listening to their music, sitting around their bonfires and trekking through their land brought me closer to the Chinese culture than I had ever hoped. I enjoyed things I didn’t think I would; such as squatting to use the toilet, sleeping on a concrete bed, eating breakfast with chopsticks. All this made the trip all the more extraordinary.
Recognition has to go to the group that I travelled to and shared this experience with. Having the most wonderful, enthusiastic and knowledgeable local guide, Alan, meant that all of my many, many questions about the history of China and the Great Wall were answered, and the wide array of ages, background and experience of the members of the group meant that I enjoyed some funny, silly, memorable and, at times just downright rude moments which, put together, made for an incredible experience.
I have had a truly wonderful adventure and the fact that I have been able to raise money for two fantastic charities that mean so very much to me has made this all the more special. Once again, a huge Thank you to everyone that has sponsored me. It really does mean a lot to me and will be of great help to both of my charities, for Children and Derby Kids’ Camp. From the bottom of my heart, Thank you. Anybody who still wishes to donate can do so for a further few weeks, via either of my two sites or by going through me.
And to my fellow Great Wall trekkers Sean, Alex, Katy, Lyndsey, Jude, Sam, Suz, Helena, Karla, Alison, Maria, Jane, Sally Julia, Pat, Kay, Di, Julie, Steve, Adrian, Adam and Stacey; Thank you for a fantastic and fun journey…. Haven’t we got some stories?! :o)
For my other site go to www.justgiving.com/annadeardengreatwallofchina
