T Fishy's Village

On June 23rd, we hitchhiked to T Fishy's village. Known as an oasis on the plateau, it is a vibrant green agricultural village surrounded by barren mountains. The land is so fertile because it is located next to the Yellow River. Thirty minutes after we arrived at T Fishy's aunt’s convenience store, we received a phone call from the police. A curious onlooker had reported our arrival in the village and the friendly police came to make sure that we registered. Foreigners throughout China are supposed to register with the police if they are not staying in a hotel.

The village itself was beautiful and full of amiable people. After T Fishy's aunt fed us copious amounts of food, we decided to walk it off on a hike through the countryside. T Fishy led us through fields of youcai, a yellow flower used to make canola oil, through the outskirts of the village, and towards the Yellow River. That night after dinner, T Fishy's aunt brought out small speakers and a stereo for a T circle dance party. This is a traditional group dance where the participants form a circle and move in unison. Since it’s rare that everyone knows the dance, there are usually several people leading. Soon after the party started, a neighbor brought out even bigger speakers and a sizable crowd of people gathered around. Even the police came to watch. Meanwhile, David was off playing basketball with a group of boys. Basketball hoops seem to be everywhere in China, from the major cities to the smallest villages.

Youcai is a major crop in T Fishy's village

We spent the night, and before we left the next day we talked to construction workers in the village. Since M does not have any skilled laborers, we planned to hire help from T Fishy's village. We learned that construction materials cost around 8,000 RMB ($1,200) in total. In addition, it would cost 5,000 RMB ($750) for the services of one skilled laborer and one assistant, who would be able to build the shop in 10 days with the help of M villagers. When we left we were confident that the project would be within our budget, and we were excited to leave for M.

“It takes a village to raise a child”. In the village it was hard to tell who the parents of these babies were, since everyone took care of them.

Thank you to T Fishy's aunt and cousin for letting us stay in their spacious house, complete with outdoor bathroom facilities, and for cooking and dance lessons.