As one meanders along the Great Wall of Mutienyu district, one marvels at the sheer size of it. If one cares to veer of the main path in search of a toilet, one finds oneself right next to the wall. Here surrounded by ancient trees, one can appreciate the the massive stonework of this fortress and get some idea of the atmosphere of the place: how lonely and cold the soldiers may have felt. How their families may have worried. How absolutely quiet it must have been. One may know that there was not always war or fighting, but just simply: living, fetching wood, boiling water, and loving for those lucky enough. #givethanks