Rushell on Day 11 (Wednesday, June 17th)
Today we visited a local farm. The host and his family were very welcoming and kind. First, he invited us to share tea with him and to enjoy each others company before any activities. He invited us to pick golden plums from his tree in the courtyard of his house. We then headed out to the field and he pointed out his crops as we walked. We noticed he grew cucumbers and tomatoes among other crops. The area of land we were to work on was not yet cultivated. We were to till the soil, then plant some vegetable seeds. After working for a while we enjoyed a delicious lunch prepared by his family and even tried yak butter tea. During our break away from the field, we exchanged dances and songs with the host and his family. We learnt a few traditional Naxi dances and got to play their instruments. In turn, we taught a range of hip-hop, jazz, and even ballet moves to them. We were met by the local television crew, who took advantage of this cocktail of cultures and recorded us for the local nightly news. We then were able to help prepare dinner by washing vegetables. The meal was spectacular and really was rewarding after our hard day's work. After dinner, our host took the time to write each of our names in the Naxi writing called "dongba" on their special paper. We appreciated this very much. Overall, we had an amazing day! One which I'm sure we will always treasure. The kindness and warmth our host expressed to us and his willingness to open his home to us was truly generous of him and touched each of us greatly as we felt somewhat at home. Tomorrow, we will visit Tiger Leaping Gorge as we continue our trip. We are all excited!
Comments
Hey Rush & Friends.... My, My, you are truly experiencing a totally different way of life!. You have left you handi work on the farm and I am sure the hard work that you guys have put in will greatly increase the output of the cultivation there. The generousity of the farmer and his household in sharing with you all is also above measure. I sincerely hope you will all continue to treasure these experiences for a very long time. As for you Rush, I know you must have been completely immersed in their dance form. I know you all will enjoy the Tiger Leaping Gorge tomorrow and I pray that the weather will be fine for maximum benefit.
Love to all....Sonia(Rushell's aunt)
Posted by: Sonia | June 20, 2009 12:15 PM
Hey Rush,So happy to hear that you and the group are having so much fun. What did you use to till the field hoe/machete? What kind of vegetables did you plant? I bet you had a great time learning/teaching the different dances!Happy to hear that you all are now famous having being filmed for the evening news! I am thrilled to know that your "Host" family made your stay comfortable and enjoyable.
Miss you "banches"
Love Mom
Posted by: Mechel Kerr | June 20, 2009 1:48 PM
Hey Buj
No Reggae dancing ? Sweep ?Nuh Linga ?
How was the Yak butter tea , does it taste like anything we know ?
Well Rush you and your Group have a few days left there so enjoy .wish I knew how to say that in Mandarin .
Smooches Auntie Yvonne
Posted by: Yvonne KerrDouglas | June 20, 2009 8:25 PM
Dear Rushell...what a vivid and evocative account of this day. This exchange of hearts and minds was thrilling to read. Thank you for all of your detail and personal perspective. As I pictured all of you dancing I saw hope for the world!
Ian's Auntie B
Posted by: Barbara Tirrell | June 21, 2009 12:21 AM
Hi Rushell, it was good to read such a vivid and detailed account of your visit to that local farm. Experiencing all the simple things in life (all over again) can be refreshing! The simple lifestyle of the farmer and his family as well as their honest hospitality I am sure you can relate to people from our own culture. The exchange of food, dance and work is a cultural event I am sure you and the others in the group will never forget. By now you all would have already visited the Tiger Leaping Gorge (today is Saturday, June 20th). Can't wait to hear all about that one. Latah Babes!
Uncle Harry
Posted by: Richard Kerr | June 21, 2009 1:16 AM
Hi Rush, I must commend you on a very well written report. It has certainly kept me well informed of the wonderful new things you are all exposed to.
Please write again soon.
Love,
Nanna
Posted by: Maria | June 21, 2009 4:14 AM
Hi Rush,
Dancing Diva to the world...TV coverage and all! So proud that you went back to basics on your home stay on the local farm. I know this is an experience you will treasure for many years to come. Hope you and the rest of the group enjoy the rest of the trip to the max. Can't wait to hear all the details. Nuff Love..Auntie Shelly
Posted by: Shelly | June 21, 2009 5:23 AM
Hi Rush,
I am so happy to see that the trip has been an exciting and thrilling experience for you guys. The pictures and comments that you have all posted have certainly made it also exciting for me and it makes me feel like i am there with you all. I cant wait to see more photos and hear more about the experiences and adventures as you all continue your trip through China.I am sure this trip will be a memorable and learned one for you all. Enjoy yourself and be safe. See you soon.
Love you, Dad.
Posted by: Russell Reid | June 22, 2009 8:47 AM
Farmer Girl Rushell,
I'll make life for you a little easier when you get back home. I already have the beds prepared you'll just have to put the suckers in. I'm sure we will reap delicious vegetables and tomatoes for the summer. Continue dancing to the 'wheerl'.
Love you lots
Aunti Maria
Posted by: Maria | June 23, 2009 1:42 AM
Hi Rush & friends, Thanks very much for the beautiful pictures and the exciting commentary of the places you visited.I thoroughly enjoyed visiting China through your eyes. The memories for you I am sure will last for your lifetime! Looking forward to seeing you tomorrow and hearing your firsthand account.
To the "Werl" Nuff love.
Mom
Posted by: Mechel Kerr | June 23, 2009 11:58 AM
Hi Rushell, I am really happy to see that you have been enjoying your trip and acquiring new skills. Now that you are nearing the end of this experience the nostalgic feelings associated with the many opportunities you had for sharing misunderstanding and understanding each other including your host will give you a better appreciation for the opportunity to experience a cross culture exchange, one that not many persons would have had; this will make the occasion even more rewarding in the years to come.
Continue to enjoy , Uncle Gilly.
Posted by: A Gilbert Bellamy | June 23, 2009 7:33 PM