by Kastina Fishback
For a long period in my life, The Great Wall was the only thing that popped into my head when I thought of China. I have always read about it in world history books, but I never even once fathomed myself ever actually being there. Look at me now! I, Kastina Fishback, can actually say I climbed to the highest point of THE GREAT WALL OF CHINA and was able to watch the beautiful morning sun rise over it. How many people do you know who can say this?
When we first arrived at The Great Wall, I had no idea what to expect. I knew we would be staying overnight at a small village that was not technologically advanced at all, so I was pretty nervous. But just simply laying eyes on The Great Wall took away all of that apprehensiveness. I was in complete awe. I couldn’t help but wonder how normal people were able to build something as incredible as this without the modern technology we have today. It was breathtaking.
The hike up to the tallest point on The Great Wall of China was definitely one of the hardest things I have physically done in my life. There were many points where I wanted to give up because I was out of breath and in pain. However, I knew that I would never be presented with this opportunity ever again in my life, so I had to take advantage of it. I had some very deep talks with myself while going up that mountain because my body was telling me to stop and take the easy way back down. There is no word to describe the feeling I got when I finally made it to the top. I spent the night in a village that put me completely out of my comfort zone, woke up at 3:00 A.M., embarked on an hour and thirty minute hike uphill, had a nasty fall blood and scratches, and was still able to stand on one of the most historical sites in the world. I’m a pretty amazing person if you ask me.
