By Tom and Sophie
Our day started later than we were used to at this point. A knock on the door at 7:45 am interrupted our sleep. We headed across the road for a more western style breakfast, consisting mainly of jam toast and corn flakes. At 9:25 we began a 4-kilometre hike across the valley to the primary school where we would trek down one mountain slope and up another. We passed an abundance of rice fields and learned that the rice was to be harvested mid-October. Once the fields are cleared, ashes are made from remains in the fields to make fertiliser. The fertiliser was also made when rice straws were kept with animals as the manure and rice straws combine. It is estimated that 100 square metres of fields produce 1500 kilograms of rice. New rice sprouts in July or August and the festival of new rice celebrates the regrowth with a gargantuan feast. A family receives an average rate of income of 400 yuan per year from selling rice. The water buffalo is a sacred animal and it is symbolised in a lot of buildings and structures because it helps with ploughing.
Our arrival was celebrated with the firecrackers, lemonade and a special bamboo and fir tree instrument called the Lusheng Pipes. Traditionally, guests would be fed rice-wine by hosts, but we received Sprite instead. We were introduced to the host and hostess, Mr and Mrs Lee. Billy (our local guide) informed us that traditionally, houses were divided into three floors, the first for animals and bathrooms, the second for bed and living rooms, and the third for storage. Mrs Lee was wearing customary daily-wear, consisting of a wildflower headdress, silver jewellery and a black velvet jacket embroidered with flowers. While lunch was being prepared, Billy took some of us on a small tour of the village. The first thing we saw were some notices from the county government, telling people to use fire carefully, especially in winter, because the village is located in the midst of a forest and many of the houses are constructed from wood. Next, we were shown the dancing court of the locals, where they worship nature, not gods, and are known as Animists. We saw the oldest house in the village, with a history dating back more than two hundred years. Outside was a big wooden box or cart that was used when harvesting to aid the families carrying rice back to their homes.
Lunch consisted of rice, beef and greens, egg and some exquisite potatoes covered in delectable spices. Some of us were challenged to taste the local chilli – one of the spiciest, Billy informed us – according to everyone, it was very hot! After eating, together we tidied up our mess and gave a huge thanks to our hosts as we left.
When arriving at the school, called Baibi, we were all incredibly excited. Sophie was able to speak on behalf of the school, telling the locals about our home life back in Australia. The school has 50 students, 6-year levels and 7 teachers, including one English teacher. The children started off with some exercise and we joined in, but we weren’t very good at picking up the choreography. We were then split into six groups, one per class. We attempted to teach them English, some us being very successful and others not so much. After this, we were able to sit in with one of the English classes, where the students were learning parts of the face. Mrs Marshall had the opportunity to take the class towards the end and teach the students verbs. Although we had trouble communicating verbally, it was a learning experience for everyone.
Following that, half of us were able to participate in some sports and games with the students, while others helped sort out donations. Some people joined in on a game of basketball and some played badminton. The funds raised by us all from the walkathon contributed towards buying winter jackets, pants and boots as well as a computer for one of the classrooms. A leftover 2000 yuan was donated to the school and Rebecca, who had raised the most, made a quick parting speech to the school. Her Grandma, Joan Schoch, knitted a family of soft toys for the village, Rebecca proudly gifted them to Mr and Mrs Lee’s child who was 10 months old. It was invigorating and transcending to see the kids’ faces light up as we handed over their gifts individually, to be able to explore the village and immerse in the culture.
Soon after a short walk to the bus, we made it back to our lodging. We had a wonderful dinner with potatoes, bacon, noodles, beef, egg and, most importantly, duck. We sang Happy Birthday to Reilly and then all headed back to the guesthouse.
Sophie:
Dear Mum,
I hope unpacking is going well. I love you and miss you, Daisy and Pablo. Please give them both a big hug from me. Thank you so much for this opportunity. All my love, Sophie.
Tom:
Dear Family,
I miss you all so, so, so much! Thanks so much to everyone who donated for my fundraiser and to those who paid for my trip. It has been incredible so far and I am so glad to be here. Mum, I hope you’ve stopped crying now ;). Dad and Ben, I hope Survivor has been good, you better let me recap when I get home. The pandas have been my highlight so far (as expected) and I got to clean the cages and see them! I’ve seen a lot of dogs and cats running around and, as you guys told me to, I have refrained from petting them. Please don’t worry about me, the nuts have not been a problem (I haven’t had to eat the chicken noodles yet). Give the cats a hug from me and I will see you in a few more weeks! Love, Tom
