The magnificent beauty of the Great Wall of China is not to
be compared. Even through the cold temperatures and wind, it’s shocking how
great the Great Wall really is. The way the mountains just roll on for miles
makes everything look layered and divine. As if I’m looking at a painting.
After we climbed up to one of the many high points on the wall, I stood up,
took a deep, cleansing breath of fresh mountain air, and just took in all the
beauty around me for as long as possible. This day was unforgettable.
What’s
a bit humorous about what I just described above is that the Great Wall of
China turned out to be a failure. It didn’t keep anyone out and it didn’t make
anyone safer. While we look at the wall as a brilliant part of history and
culture, I did wonder to myself, why are we celebrating a wall? Donald Trump
was elected the US President (yes, I am slowly able to admit this to myself a
little bit more everyday) because he promised to build a wall to keep the bad
people out. But I see no joy or comfort in building walls. I believe in
building bridges instead.
The
Acrobat show was also something to behold. I was expecting the Chinese version
of the Jessie White Tumblers but was surprised to see how much more influenced
this show was by Chinese culture. From the outfits to the dances, culture was intertwined
throughout the show. The show itself was shocking and wild! The performers at
one point rode motorcycles in a sphere cage, and by the end of the show there
were eight or nine people riding around in there! I thought for sure I was
about to witness a death. But I didn’t. The performers manipulated death into
art in this show.
This
day really offered a taste of Chinese culture and history, but I am looking
forward to the whole pie. I’m ready to try new things, explore new ideas, and
see what life looks like on this side of the world.
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