Most Inspirational Moment
Fire water night....
Really though; sitting on top of a tower on the Crouching Tiger section and each member of the group suddenly fell into quiet contemplation just taking in the view and enjoying the peace and serentity of it all. Secondly, realising my own potential along the way.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Wu Wei (JERRY). Our glorious leader. Worth every Yuan for comedic value alone. Sharp, witty, articulate, polite, accomodating, motivated, energetic, thoughful, informative, caring and responsible. I expect any future tours to be a disappointment if not led by Jerry. Completely surpassed my expectations of a tour guide. I personally felt he integrated with the group and made us feel like welcome friends instead of walking pay packets-an experience I had never had before with a tour guide.
Issues were raised by a few members of the group throughout the trip and Jerry instantly took action to rectify any situation in an attempt to please everybody. He had the difficult task of dealing with a group of people of very different abilities and expectations with fifty years between the youngest and eldest of us. Some of us wanted lengthier, tougher, faster days and others needed a slower pace, less challenging terrain and shorter days. Somehow Jerry managed to keep us all together and return us safely to Beijing City on the final day.
Advice for Potential Travellers
PLEASE READ the itinerary BEFORE you book the trip!
It clearly states that this trek is MODERATE to CHALLENGING. On reading the online brochure myself, I thought the trip would be a struggle for me-relatively fit and in my late twenties. It turned out not to be a struggle for me at all, in fact I felt that I was in my element. Unfortunately this was not the case for all involved. Whilst attempting not to be ageist (there are people in their 70's out there much fitter than I!) the trip was less enjoyable for those in their 50's 60's and 70's, depending on their current physical health. It seemed that some members of the group were expecting an easy walk rather than a moderate to challenging trek. This was difficult for everyone and those who wanted a slower pace felt they had to struggle to keep up and those who wanted a faster pace felt slowed down or held back from challenging themselves so that everyone could be kept together. I can't say much about the reasoning behind different folks perceptions of 'moderate to challenging' but I can say Please Please READ the brochure!
The trek takes you through some of the more remote parts of the wall (which would be deemed impassable in the UK-that should give an idea) Off wall trekking includes some muddy or scrambly parts through the bush which while immense fun for some, was not so much so for others! The brochure does say there are parts where you will need to use hands as well as feet and lets say the trip basically does what it says on the tin.
