Are you MAN enough?

You know what they say about going through national service? It turns boys into men. Sounds vaguely familiar? Apparently, after transforming from a boy into a man you are still required to prove it! How do we go about it?I was refering to...

Scaling the GREAT WALL OF CHINA. What were you thinking?

Legend has it that you're not a man (好汉aka Hero) until you climb the wall. Those wise words belongs to Chairman Mao（毛主席）in case you're wondering.

School brought us over to Juyongguan Pass（居庸关）which was used as a military stronghold back in those days. I use to wonder, whats so great about this wall? Ok, I know its the only thing you can identify from space and its extremely long(x1000). I never appreciated it until I set my tiny little foot along the path. Upon arriving, the mere sight of it blows you away (exaggerations). The steep and seemingly impossible to imagine angles of elevation starts to set your pulse racing with drips of perspiration peppering your forehead befor you even begin. However, as you climb along with every step, every breath and not to mention, every pant. You start to appreciate the beauty and magnificiance of the structure. I never thought I would say this but it is truly majestic.

No, make it MAJESTIC!

There are steps so high, its up to my knee level. There are paths so narrow, its enough for one to pass. Thank god for the installation of railings by the side after renovation works. I wonder how soldiers and generals scale the structure back then. Going up wasn't so much of a challenge, it was coming down that was crazy. Don't look further than your next step when coming down.
2 good reasons for that.

1) The steps are non-uniform. Miss one and you will be tumbling down for the next couple of minutes.
2) The angle of depression is so steep at times it makes you feel like falling over.

We all know that the last thing you want to do is to lose your balance there. It will probably be the longest argh you will hear for quite some time.

Overall, the climb was GOOD. What seemed impossible wasn't too tough for us! We managed to get to the end of one section! The view takes your breath away so badly we had to stop to catch our breath. (pun intended) After 8 weeks in Beijing, I've finally felt the muscles in my thighs and calf. It feels so good knowing that I'm not that flabby afterall. It was such a good lower-body workout. Now, all that's left is the upper-body and my face.

After the climb, we were brought to enjoy this Chinese Acrobatics performance. Too bad they didn't allow us to take pictures, if not you guys would be able to see through my eyes. The acrobatics performance was excellent. A pity we missed the starting performances. I'm inspired to jump around using one one hand like the little boys, stand on my bicycle like the veterans and climb up a pole using mere hand muscles!
Oh well, its good to be inspired. With inspiration, we need perspiration.

I'm looking forward to the weekend, a Xi'An（西安） getaway.

I'm now officially a 好汉！