My experience of a lifetime Semester at Sea: Spring 2012: Beijing : Day 3

April 4, 2012

Our first stop of the day was one of the wonders of the world, The Great Wall of China!!! The first section of the wall was built when a number of Chinese states in the north were fighting against each other. The wall was built wide enough to allow five horses to gallop between the sides allowing for the soldiers to get to certain parts of the wall faster. We took a cable car to the top and were allowed to explore. On the way down, we tobogganed down!! It was so much fun!

After lunch, we drove past the Olympic village and the Birds Nest and the "Bubble"arena (not sure the exact name - Where Michael Phelps broke 8 records - I think - This is just what our guide told us! ). They started building the arena in 2001 so it took 7 years to finish. They never finished the stadium to put a roof on because they said it was too expensive and there was not enough time. Before the games, it was very smoggy and grey. They were worried that is was going to rain for the opening games. Many of the athletes were worried about the pollution and so they practiced in Japan to adjust to the temperature, time, and food. To maintain the stadium, it costs $50,000 USD to clean every month since the city is so dirty. This is necessary so they don't have to tear it down. The stadiums are open to the public. There is a huge water park inside there now (the biggest in Asia).

In the afternoon we went to a Kongfu school. This is thought to cure illness as well as for self-defense. Many parents send their children to this school so that they can become body guards for important people. We enjoyed a performance by the students and then were taught a little by them. The performers actually performed in the opening ceremonies in the 2008 Olympics.

To end the day, we went to an Acrobatics show. It was incredible, there was one act where there were 6 motorcycles in a sphere at one time!!