More pics

I Did It







Tickly Feet!!!!


My poor bruised legs...



This year the Great Wall of China... Next year Olympics??

Saturday 14th May

Today we got to do some sightseeing visited the Olympic Stadium the Summer Palace and the Silk Factory, then went to a fake Market and had so much fun bartering for presents to take home.
This is the queue for the toilet at the summer palace!!! We had to push our way in too or we would never have got to the loo yet!!
They don't teach about taking your turn in China!!!


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Friday 13th May

Today was the last day of trekking we were on the wall after quite a steep climb up the hillside from one if the villages we were staying in for the night. It was very hot today and we all suspected something was going on at our last stop as we were told to stay at one side of the towers where we had lunch. Was so good to have a break as we were all really shattered by this point. I hadnt had any diet coke since leaving Britain as they don't do diet stuff generally in China but one wee Chinese lady had some in her cool box and was selling cans to tourists for 10juan which is equal to £1. By the time I got there she had none left and seeing my distress ran off to the next tower to get me some which was about 20mins away!!! I was so grateful I gave her 20juan for the favour she saluted me! Lol



When we eventually were allowed to go through this tower we walked up the hill and were greeted by the organisers and the guides who were holding up a banner to mark the finish of our trek thanking us for all we did to help the Alzheimers Society. Then we all got sprayed with Champagne!!
We then got to choose how we wanted to get down off the wall we could either take a chair lift or toboggan down... No prizes fir guessing my mode if transport!!!
Toboggan all the way.... Was amazing!!



We then had a 2 hour ride in the coach and were taken for a back, shoulder and foot massage which was amazing... So good to get your feet in your flip-flops and out of the boots!! Was a total hoot in there. When we arrived there was a line up of 28 masseurs who clapped us in as if we were national hero's!! It was quite moving think hysteria was beginning to take over as we were all so shattered!!
I couldn't stop laughing at first when my girl started to touch my feet. She was finding it all quite amusing as well...
Was the perfect ending to the trek.
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Back on line!!

I ran out of data time on the Wed while away so will try and backdate now as much as I can..

Thursday 12th May



This is where we faced the impossible... I needed to be helped up these stairs by one of the guides they were so steep and exposed. There was one part at the top I was crawling on my hands and knees to get to the top... My legs were like jelly..
Today was called obstacle day as we went from one seemingly impossible challenge to another!!

My legs were a mass of bruises after today but I was so proud of myself for just getting on with it and facing my fears one by one. The leader of the group says I am am a power house, and has never met anyone so determined on any challenge she has done and she has been at least 3 per year for the last 6 years!






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The heat was awful today and really humid.. To add to the challenge there was a sandstorm which blew across from Mongolia and hit us as we walked the really steep section of the wall!! Got stuck at one bit and just froze to the spot as there was a sheer drop at either side of a ridge which there was only space to fit one foot on front of the other! I had a wee cry and was rescued by one of the Chinese guides who walked backwards over it and took my hands!!!
The rest of the team have been really brilliant and I have got to know some really nice people from all walks of life. Everyone has been so supportive of one another and encouraging to one another when things have been tough. Everyone has their own bits they struggle with and a gentle word of reassurance is all that is needed sometimes to help a person tackle their fears. It has been a very tough and long day today but most rewarding. Have seen some spectacular scenery some of which we were not allowed to photograph as it was along the border of a military base. Have got lots of lovely photos from today.
Legs are aching and some small blisters are starting to agravate me now but on the whole still very chirpy and loving every minute if this trip. Have to admit I am really looking forward to having a bath and using a proper toilet when I get home!
Some pics from today...



Crouching Tiger



The girl in front was ill... Hence the jacket as the tempreatures soared to 28 degrees!!



Puppies at a local farmhouse

Filling up

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And off we go!!!!!!

Trek day 4

Just about to head off on our 8-9 hour hike!!!!
Yikes












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China- Day 2

Walked to a village area and spent some time in a village house. Ended up 4 of us had to sleep in the same bed and although it was classed as a 4 star hotel you can tell by the pics that it had a lot to be desired!!

Toilet- this is typical if what we have had to use!!!







Shower room!!




Bedroom




To make up for it though there was some beautiful scenery along the route







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Surprise 40th Birthday Party!!

Total surprise cake and card signed by all the team tonight was totally amazing!!!!!



Cake close up




This cake was made by the Chinese people and was so big a quarter of it fed 30 of us!!!!!
Now that's what I call a cake! Lol


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From the wall

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Sunday Lunch

Birthday Lunch...

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Day one... Trekking

Just heading off on the bus to start our first day of walking. Having a great time so far...
Yesterday was very tired, visited the forbidden city ate huge amounts of Chinese food!!



And it's happy birthday to me today!!!
40!!!!!!!!







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Quarantine Advice

Found this amusing... Could you imagine if we called people 'Aliens' in our country!! Lol

Waiting in departures... Already met some wonderful people who are keeping me right!!
It's nearly time to fly! I'm not feeling nervous now at all. Loads of random strangers have been stopping to wish us well, it's a great atmosphere :-)

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At the airport

Getting our Hoodies...

Going underground

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Posting from the sleeper

Well first leg if the journey is under way!! Was like something from a carry on film trying to squeeze into the berth. Let's just say it's not for the horizontally challenged!! Lol
Some pics...




Night night....




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Setting off!!

Well this is me ready to set off on my travels!!!!
Had a lovely meal in the harvester restaurant at Glasgow Quay. Good choice of place to eat for all budding weightwatchers out there... The menu gives calories for each of the meals so you get a rough idea of what is good and what's not and you get to have as many trips to the salad bar as you like :-)
Had grilled chicken breast with a baked potato was utterly delicious.
Now to head for the train!!!!!




Many thanks to Angela for sending me these delicious crisps...With my name on them!!!




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Getting Excited Now!!!!

Well that's me worked my 9 days and am now officially on HOLIDAY!!!!!!!
started the birthday celebrations last night. Went out for a meal in Largs with some Cumbernauld friends and then set off some Chinese Lanterns at Lunderston bay... Had such a laugh!!
They have decided that my life is not challenging enough so have given me a voucher to go for a hot air balloon ride for my birthday!!! What an amazing present :))))

Here are some photos from the night




Can't believe I'm going to be the big 40!!!!





Ailsa, me and Polly




Karen, Laura and Tiffies





At Nardini's




Lighting the Lanterns
















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