BEIJING

Hey guys, sorry it's been awhile!

This past weekend we spent four days in Beijing exploring all the sites. On Friday we got to hike the Great Wall. Literally hike. So on Thursday night we found a guy who said he can have a driver take us to the wall in the morning, and that we would have about five hours to hike to Mutianyu where he would pick us up. So we got a ride to the middle of a jungle basically, and all the signs said not open to the public! But the driver just stopped and let us out.. no wall in site. Some locals pointed us to this tiny "trail" and we began hiking through thick fog and plants up to our knees, but after we thought we were lost in the jungle for about 1 hour, we stumbled upon this wall! It was really neat, it was the untouched section so it had trees growing in it and around it. It is not technically open to the public so no one else was around. The sides were crumbled. But it Was beautiful! We hiked miles and miles up and down crazy steep hills on the wall. Then we made it to the more touristy/restored section of the wall, Mutianyu. There were SOO MANY people. Unlike before when we were alone. The Great Wall is unreal..It was amazing to look down the green mountainside, or turn around after coming down a steep hill and see how far you have come! To get off the Mountain we got to race a Toboggan down! Although there was a lady going really slow in front of us. But, it was still way awesome!
Also in Beijing we got to visit the Birds Nest, or the Olympic Stadium... I think I cried when I saw it ;) I have always wanted to go there! Later we went to the Forbidden City, Tiananmen Square, Summer Palace, Pearl Market, Silk Street, and to see Mao's Body. Overall Beijing was a success. China is Gorgeous in its own unique way, I love the people, culture, and the atmosphere. It has almost been one month here, and it's really growing on me. 
Side Note: Teaching is very exciting, some days the kids love me and greet me with hugs, and some days they use their favorite nickname for me, "Teacher Loser" haha. Either way I still love seeing them and can't wait to keep teaching. It is not easy at times but, I love all that I am learning here and it is definitely worth it!

I hope everyone back at home is doing well!
-aliza danielle<3