According to a popular Chinese saying, "He who has not been to the Great Wall is not yet a real man." By that standard, Diego Azubel, a photographer from Argentina, definitely became a real man after his one year and three month expedition along China's Great Wall, which is 3,500 kilometers (2,175 miles) in length.
Azubel's walk started at the most western point of Jiayuguan Pass in Northwest China's Gansu Province and ended at the most eastern point of Shanhaiguan Pass on the Bohai Bay.
Many foreigners who come to China visit the most popular - but only a small section - of the Great Wall, which winds its way across north of Beijing.
However, since few have walked the entire wall, Azubel could be the first foreigner to complete the magical adventure.
In early October of 2000, five individuals from all over the globe traveled to Jiayuguan Pass to start their expedition. Each hoped to realize the same dream - to walk along the entire Great Wall.
The four men who joined Azubel are: Sumana Siri from Malaysia, Kelvin G. Jones from the United States, Paolo Antonelli from Italy and Nathan Hoturo Gray from New Zealand.
Sadly, the four failed to complete their expedition after several months.
Azubel, with his strong faith and perseverance, completed the epic journey and reached his final destination - Shanhaiguan - on New Year's Eve, December 31, 2001.
"I want to let more people, especially Westerners, know more about the Great Wall," said Anzubel.
On Monday, his photo exhibition about the Great Wall will be held at the Argentinian Embassy in Beijing. The second phase of Anzubel's quest - spreading the culture of the Great Wall - is getting under way.
(China Daily January 22, 2002)
