During my short visit to China in September 2011, I had a chance to go to the Great Wall close to Beijing.

I was told that I would have to climb the wall to experience it properly and that it takes about an hour to get to a good vantage point, and a bit longer to reach the top.

It didn't seem to be tough. I didn't even bring anything to drink. After walking up for about 30 minutes, however, I found myself sweating a lot and feeling thirsty. It was physically demanding as much as climbing a mountain. I didn't want to stop there although I desperately wanted water. Luckily there was a small shop near the top, and I could save myself from dying of thirst.

Sipping the water sitting on the steps, I looked at other people to see if they prepared water and what other things they had to carry.

A bottle of water, of course, is one of them.

What else?

I started photographing the hands of the people.