IES Global

It looked like the middle of the night when my slumber was rudely shattered by the hideous alarm.  Bleary eyed, I pulled on as many clothes that my coat would fit over and trudged to the bathroom to brush my teeth and fix my hair soon to realise there was no need (to do my hair that is).  For, to my astonishment, I’d walked out into a blizzard! Another, heftier snowstorm had hit Beijing.  The University was consumed by at least 5 inches of snow! And with that, I bounded upstairs again to fetch my emergency hat… it’s pretty ridiculous and far too big - but desperate times and all that. 

The hotel lobby buzzed with excitement as interns gathered, munching on pastries and other baked goods, awaiting the arrival of the busses.  Traffic had slowed right down to accommodate the milky white gift of the skies and all was calm and peaceful for once.  What’s more, it made for a smooth and tranquil trip to the Ming Tombs.  I visited the Ming Tombs six months ago in the height of summer and back then, the car park was jammed full- there wasn’t room for a Smart car, let alone another tour bus! But today it was eerily quiet! It was so calm and surprisingly deserted.  This gave our guys the place to themselves almost and room to roam through the beautifully sugared courtyards and ornately piped temple gates.  Snow appeared as saccharine icing on the colossal cake of the pure and driven landscape.  Vanilla ice cream swallowed trees and silky marshmallows mottled minor details.   It made as the perfect wintry gift for the eyes and one of them mega ‘full monty’ breakfasts, just with sweet confectionary.  We wandered beneath sugarcane icicles and bonbon snowdrops while one intern, Zia, sauntered round looking too cool for school with his wizard shades and long jet-black hair.  And then there was me.  Some of the lads enjoyed a turbulent game of that good ol’ tradition, kick the feathery shuttlecock and others ambled aimlessly, taking in the crisp daybreak. 

Excitement built along with the snowfall, as people roused and we neared the Great white Wall.  And just like that, everyone burst off of the bus eager and all set for a slippery hike up and beyond. Everyone gathered for a group snap shot before the awe inspiring chocolate box canvas of one worthy wonder of the world.  The dream-like charm certainly captured all, as we slid and sledged, laughed and cheered, dashing through the snow on a TTC sign sleigh.  Exhilaration peaked when the macho amongst us reached the top of the wall! With masculine hearts a-pumping, a few of the real men decided to bare all! Well, half of their all, thankfully! It was a real calendar girl’s moment as the lads whipped off their tee shirts, Full Monty style and posed for the pics! It’s still pouring with snow remember. 

Oh it was quite hilarious and rather baffling I’m sure, for some unsuspecting Chinese tourists! Meanwhile, Kirsty and I trailed the troops, camera and recorder in hand, skidding about helplessly like some slapstick comedy act, attempting to capture the best bits. And by best bits I don’t mean the naked torsos…ahem.  In the end, after much molestation from the snap happy Chinese, we retired to sliding back down the wall on our bums with shrieking interns whizzing past us having the time of their lives! Literally.  Panda hats, massive smiles, lime green: ‘I climbed the Great Wall’ tees and a couple of lingering bare chests illustrated the fantastic morning we had! And what a fabulous, lovely group of people! It was the best fun ever and all were in excitable consensus as we pulled away with soggy feet and frozen bottoms.

We’d definitely earned lunch! I was starving. And overjoyed when chicken nuggets and fries blessed our table in all they’re western glory.  We must’ve looked like animals as we delved straight in devouring every crump and slurping every drip leaving not one drab or drib to spare. Ketchup coated deliciousness, warmed us through as we chatted and got to know our tables a bit better.  I got talking to Rex, one of the American girls on the course, who I found out lives in Las Vegas. How cool is that?! -I must’ve seemed a little weird, as I wouldn’t stop going on, in disbelief, about how incredible that must be.  Over the street in my home town I’ve got a little bakery, round the corner from her house is a few dozen whacking great neon casinos, hundreds of towering hotels and the world famous Cher!

After a swift snow fight in the midday sunshine, we slumped back into our seats and drifted off on the way to Yashow market back in the centre of town.  An hour-long journey gave time for a calming rendition/lullaby of ‘The Wheels on The Bus’, a quick swizz of Kirsty’s imported News of The World tabloid and a nice nap. Yashow was a pleasantly relaxed retail experience and we moseyed around at our own pace -just what was needed after such a fun-filled morning of magical mayhem.  Rustling carriers filled with cut-price goodies pleased our flock of bargainers.  Digital cameras, mobile phones, handbags and shiny shoes (not forgetting a cheeky Starbucks muffin) were purchased and then put to instant use as the wheels on the bus went round and round, right around the corner to our next destination.

Everyone nabbed front seats for the acrobat show as Pete, program co-ordinator and James, intern manager, snuck off to obtain some salty popcorn, of which I stole half (sorry James).  But I think I did him a favour because when the Magnum ice creams passed, he looked over lovingly (in the usual male see-food manor), resenting his shotgun popcorn commitment.  I, however, made it easy for him, agreeing to adopt his popcorn while he happily crunched into his Magnum, Pete shortly shadowing.  Typical men!  Being up close and personal to the acrobats was phenomenal, if a little panic-attack provoking.  There were at least two points where I was sure we would witness sudden death! But no, the performers went on to amaze and bemuse as one act tumbled terrifyingly into another! The sheer muscle strength and accuracy was astonishing and we all came out a little flustered and not just due to the strapping, fit men.  I never would have dreamt you could get 18 people on 1 bicycle!

After an exceedingly long day and despite the frequent snacking (from some), dinner was received with big eyes.  A traditional Chinese tea was supplied in a nearby lantern lit restaurant.  Tomato and egg, steaming soup, rice galore and a delicious fried fish centrepiece complete with peppers and pineapple filled our tums and satisfied our food based needs.  Jasmine tea thawed our fingertips as the interns repeatedly thanked us for a lovely day and were genuinely overwhelmed with what was achieved in just one day.  It was hard to believe that all those hours ago we’d been to the beautifully snowy Great Wall of China. 

It was the perfect end to a memorable day and I loved every second of it.  The Great Wall in great weather with even greater company! It’s crazy what you can fit into 13 hours…  And how keen people are to strip down in the snow!!!