My Day on the Great Wall

Gary Franco
Academy of American Studies
New York City

It is somewhat difficult to begin to describe the range of feelings and emotions, which come to my mind upon reflecting on my journey. My trip to China opened my eyes to a vast distant culture, unlike anything before. I honestly did not know what to expect on arriving in China. Once in Beijing all five senses where at their ultimate peak, overwhelmed by the beauty of the sites and the people of China. A wide range of sounds, smells and images will forever remain imprinted in my mind. However, there is one image that stands far from the rest.

On Thursday July 26, I woke up to find myself walking on the Great Wall of China! I had waited this day for quite some time. And to my amazement it was larger and more beautiful than I could have ever expected. There couldn't have been a better day to be within its presence, the sky was clear with the bright sun light pouring. Looking over its ledge as far as the eye could see, large green mountains and hills meet the horizon. It was as if the earth meets the sky at that very moment. The occasional breeze would wisp by, and further awaken my senses. Sending shivers up my spin, it was at that point in time that I came to realize that I was in China; I was living my dream! On that day I couldn't have been happier.

... For me the trip has not yet ended it has only begun. I have only scratched the surface of this country. For now I share my experience with others and hope to clear up any misconceptions they might hold. I wish to spark an interest within them of China and Asia. This trip has forever changed the way I view China and the world around me.

Yongling and Gilberto on the Great Wall

Grace dressed up on the Great Wall