Jade Factory/The Great Wall/ Cloisonné Factory

Today was a very busy and expensive day for the Brentnall family.

Our first stop was the jade factory. Here we learned about different grades of Jade.

 Our guide told us that Chinese daughters expect to receive a jade bracelet from their mother and mother in law on their wedding day. So, what do you think I had to buy. Dave’s own words,” Now get her something good.” So, I did! We also bought a jade happy family ball. It is a beautiful piece of art that is hand carved. It symbolizes family love, a big family, happiness and luck.





The Jade Factory.
 Notice the man sitting to the left outside the glass craving jade.

After the Jade Factory it was on to the Great Wall of China.
 All I can say is what an amazing experience.
It was unreal.
We had two choices. The less or more challenging walk. We took the most challenging.
The steps were very uneven, narrow and the incline very steep in places.
 Beijing had it’s first snowfall of the year while we were at the top.
It was very cold but oh so beautiful.

Our view of the EASY side!

The Brentnall's at the very top!

 I thought this slogan for the games was also very fitting for us.




Another view of the wall

Dave and another physician in our group with their babies,

 having a look at the Medical Post at the top of the wall.

 

Jacob on the wall

John running on the wall!

Josh on the wall

Jack on the wall

Mommy at the top 

 This man chiselled a picture of the great wall for Jane.
He added her Chinese name and English name. A great keepsake.

Next it was on to the Cloisonné Factory for shopping and lunch.
 This is an ancient act of decorating metalwork.
It is common in jewellery, vases and Christmas ornaments. Many China treasures here!




 
Jake put his hat on Jane. Too cute!







After we left here we drove to the 2008 Olympic site.
It was just dark and the cube looked amazing.

Then we when back to the hotel.

 We were all pooped.

I am so glad I asked that the children not be given homework during the trip.

There would honestly be no time to do it.

So..it was another wonderful day.
We climbed the wall, we bought some Jade and Cloisonné
and we watched our little girl brighten up even more.
I am sure she has gained weight already.


Bonnie