There is a saying in Northern China,
(Bù dào chángchéng fēi hao hàn).
不到长城非好汉
One who fails to reach the Great Wall cannot be called a man; you should not give up until you succeed; be determined to reach one's goal, not stopping half way.
It was November 2008 shortly after the Beijing Olympics when I had stopped atop the Great Wall, standing on tiptoe on Day 1 of a seven day trek across the northern parts of the Wall.
I fancied I could see Mum and Dad’s bungalow in South Derry from here, both sitting out on the bench by the porch in the evening shade.
I cupped my hands and shouted ‘Mum, Mum, I can see you from here”
