First Pass Under Heaven: One man's 4000-kilometre trek along the Great Wall of China

by Nathan Hoturoa Gray

Thus begins the epic journey of a New Zealand lawyer, a Buddhist monk, an Argentinean photojournalist, an Italian recording artist and a Mormon golfer, travelling together along the Great Wall of China. Having decided to mark the millennium in cultural, racial and religious harmony, the five men quickly encountered reality: blizzards, lightning strikes, thirst, starvation, snakes and police detention.

This is Nathan Gray’s account of his 4,000-kilometre trek along the largest man-made structure ever built. His story is remarkable, uncovering the Wall’s profound history and revealing insights into China’s geopolitical climate, as he shares his personal journey of physical, mental and emotional triumph.

Genres: Travel, China, Asia, Nonfiction

267 pages, Paperback

First published July 26, 2006

Reviews

[zed · Rating 3 out of 5]

During a weekend trip to Wellington New Zealand from Brisbane in April 2014 my wife and I took a guided tourist mini bus for the afternoon as we were unfortunately short on time to make our own personal tour. The guide was very good. He took us to some great spots and we enjoyed his tour and soaked in his knowledge. As he dropped us off at our central motel I noticed a book on the front seat and leaving the mini bus asked if it was any good. “I wrote it” he cheerfully said and I quickly took the name down so as to research later. I eventually got a copy of his book and have to say I have enjoyed it.

In hindsight the author, Nathan Hoturoa Grey, looked the part to trek the entire length of The Great Wall of China. Slim and fit, articulate and seemed to have a sense of humour though his humour was tested many times during his trek. Starting out with 4 other companions Nathan covers his journey with a diary form presentation that makes this easy to read. We get told a little history, Nathan's observations along with his own spiritual trials and tribulations. I wish I had been able to talk to Nathan about his journey. A good read and recommended for those that like travel/adventure.


http://www.greatwalldvd.com/

[Jim · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nathan Gray is a Maori and a lawyer. His journey ultimately becomes more of a pilgrimage than a holiday.

[Jane Louise · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely loved it!!! Very inspirational. Quotes gathered from the great wall I had to note down. A huge culture shock that one could scarcely gain from a book. Nathan Gray is a top kiwi...

[Julian Walker · Rating 3 out of 5]

Accidentally setting out to walk the length of the Great Wall of China, the author gives a personal view on his accomplishments.

The colourful team of five, including a Buddhist monk on a personal journey of discovery, suffer mishaps, relationship breakdowns, self doubt and injury.

Giving his own insight into the history of the wall, local politics and the real people of China through diary-style reportage, this is an interesting travelogue which develops into a personal quest.

[Diana · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a remarkable your man. his journey is inspiritional and the book beautifully written. I was very taken with the imagery. China is a huge and diverse land, harsh and unforgiving. And even there like the rest of the world, it is true that the poorest people are always the ones prepared to give the most to others in need.

But no, not somewhere I'd want to go.

[Claire Giblin]

Didnt finish

[Aline · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5

[Sue Hunter · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nathan's account of his trek along the Great Wall of China was gripping, and difficult to put down. He and his five companions, all from very different backgrounds, set out to walk the whole of the Great Wall. Arguments between them, hardships, health problems, visa problems, run-ins with authorities, lead to very different experiences as they split up, and sometimes meet up again along the way. It is interesting to see how people react in difficult situations once difficulties arise. Personality clashes abound.

For anyone who ever thought they might want to walk at least part of the Great Wall, this book is a must. You get a real feeling of the scale, ruggedness, and sheer beauty of the Great Wall and the terrain it crosses.

[John · Rating 2 out of 5]

I managed to finish the book, but never really got any traction. Likeable author with good writing skills; original travel group quickly showed itself as highly disfunctional. A series of sub-journeys, with different partner(s) or alone, made at different times after R & R in Beijing or New Zealand. Interesting observations on China and the Chinese often overshadowed by the members' "issues" or the regular (fear of and real) harrassment by local police.

[lim]

book report: account of a white man's 4,000km trek along the great wall of china. his experience has awaken the inner humanity in him as well as the slumbering dragon.

the five-word review: introductory guide to visiting china

trivia: inspire reporter polly greeks to throw in her job and join him on his journey

read on: Embracing the Dragon: A Woman's Journey Along the Great Wall of China