Great Wall and Great Duck or ...Serendipity

This in from Darcy Chase:

"Today we traveled by bus (about 2.5 hours) to the Simitai section of the Great Wall...

Upon arrival, many of us had our first experience with a non-western style toilet. This event will surely make an appearance in some of the journals.

The group began to make its way toward the pathway when suddenly, Gould Alum Hilary Hough '07 came running up the walkway! She had spent the night sleeping on the wall and was visiting China with some of her Semester at Sea companions. A small world, indeed! The whole group trekked up the wall, flanked by some very persistent locals who wanted to assist us and sell us some souvenirs. Some of the more ambitious in our group climbed as far as the 12th tower. It goes without saying that today's field trip presented us with excellent photo opportunities.

The long bus ride back into the city gave us a chance to a bit of China outside of Beijing. We saw clusters of small buildings "hutongs" where the local farming families live, as well as colorful fruit, fish and meat stands along the highway. Upon our return to Beijing, we enjoyed a traditional peking duck dinner. Jet lag seemed to have hit most of the group full force and everyone went to bed fairly early. The plan for tomorrow is to visit the "dirt market." Parents: your children are doing great!"