Above the Clouds - Longji

Once again, we awoke to a cold and rainy day. But that was not going to dampen my spirits because we were going to go to the world famous rice terraces at Longji. We had to take a three hour jaunt to get there, which was well worth it despite the day being overcast. Up until thirteen years ago, this area was not open to tourist, so until then, this village was living its life the same way that generations of their people had been before them. This generation though, has fully gotten into the tourism spirit. As soon as we got off of the bus, we were accosted by local women in the “native” garb, hocking knick-knacks, patty whacks, and other such junk. Everywhere you turned there was someone saying “hello, kan yi xia (take a look)” or "yao bu yao (do you want or not want)". They have a way of making you feel bad. It is as if they are saying just throw me a bone. They have even found a way to cash in on their fame. What are they famous for you might ask? Hair. They are in the Guinness Book of World Records for being the village with the longest hair. So, they put on a show that they charge 60 RMB for so that tourist can see their hair. We did not spend the extra money. I know it is surprising, but paying to see hair for some reason just didn’t interest me.
What did interest me though was the breath taking scenery that awaited us. Even on a foggy day like today, we were treated to spectacular views. I use the word breath taking on purpose, because to see the best views we had to hike up the mountain, and that hike could literally take your breath away. It truly felt like we were above the clouds. For those who are not up for the hike, there were “taxis” for hire. The taxis consisted of what looked like a bamboo rocking chair, strapped to two bamboo poles, carried by two local men. Because of the soreness of my knee, I was tempted to make use this native transport. Pride however, won out in the end.
At the midway point of our ascent, we stopped and ate lunch. One famous local cuisine is bamboo rice. They take a piece of bamboo, stuff it with rice, and cook it over an open flame. It is pretty good, but has a glutinous texture. We also had braised pumpkin (excellent), fired celery and pork, beef and mushrooms, and stir fried eggplant. After that hearty meal, we were ready for the rest of the climb.
Upon reaching the summit, the payoff for our efforts was well worth it. Words fail me when I try to think of a way to describe it. It is not just the view that is awe inspiring. It is also the knowledge that people have slowly over the centuries, etched their mark on the landscape that does nothing to detract, and only enhances the natural beauty. Knowing that it is upon hills such as these, that a third of the rice produced for the world is grown. It was such an amazing sight. What it must look like on a clear day. I thoroughly enjoyed our day above the clouds. - Frank

Mountains are earth's undecaying monuments.
Nathaniel Hawthorne (1804 - 1864)