Farm Living Is The Life, Unless You Are In A Resort Town That Isn't A Farm

Once upon a time there were teachers in China that were so excited to go to see a farm with crops and chickens and whatever. But there was one in the crowd that wasn't so super happy about this.

So they hopped on a bus. And she fell asleep probably with her mouth open drooling because she was so very tired. When she awoke she was in another world, and to her delight, not a world of the farm.

It was a glorious site, however stiflingly hot. Sweat was now a normal part of her existence. What she heard next delighted her.  The group was there to hear about Chinese Farmer Painting.

 They were led through a charming Chinese architectural style door into what Americans would probably term as a condo.

 Inside they were greeted with snacks of fresh fruit and tea.  This they had seen before as it is customary practice in Chinese homes when having guests.

This is Mr. Yankui Tong. In 1971 he began to take an active part in The Creation Movement of Huxian County Peasant Painting. 

He became an outstanding painter and art designer. He is now a member of the China Society for the Peasant Painting and Calligraphy, the Artists' Association of Shaanxi Province, and a standing member of the Painters' Association. 

  His works are widely known and sold all over China. They are described as "showing strong aroma of rustic life of earth." The group's senses were overwhelmed by the colors that were on display around them.  They were vibrant and bold. 

 It was time for lunch and so they began to stroll up the road with mountains in sight.  The air was thick and dense with humidity.  They sweat profusely and limbs felt heavy and their mouths were dry.

 Tiger was already at the top, being the fabulous guide he always was.  He waved excitedly and laughed when he saw them.  He always laughed.  Tiger was an upbeat sort that way.  He had overcome numerous obstacles in his early life after his parents, who were intellectuals were condemned as Reactionaries during the Cultural Revolution.

 "You will be making dumplings," Tiger stated with enthusiasm.  Pork and vegetable was the order of the day.  A woman came over and showed them how to do it.  So they set to it.  Theirs did not look as nice as the samples. 

 Once upon a time there was a man from Virginia named Tim.  And he ate a chicken foot.  The end.

She suddenly felt something lick the side of her leg, and she felt as if she would leap right out of her skin.  She looked under the table, and low and behold a scoundrel was underfoot. 

A good day in the mountains was just what was needed.  And thank the lord, she didn't have to contend with the farm.

You're welcome.

After the farmer paintings we headed to a lama temple in Xi'an.

 Incense was burning everywhere.

 Something is in here . . . . It is actually one of about 50 different Buddhist statues that appear in the numerous buildings that are in this complex.  People pray to different ones for different things like wealth, happiness, peace, etc.

 We were lucky enough to go into the Panchen Lama's room.  The Panchen Lama is a spiritual leader in Buddhism.  The current Panchen Lama is only 19 years old.  He is an incarnation of a very long line of Panchen Lamas, meaning he has been reborn over and over.

 Tiger and his teacher.

 Erin and the teacher.  The white scarves were given to us as "distinguished visitors."  It was touching and very welcoming.  I will never forget the experience.