On the road again...

This morning I accompanied Kate to fetch the steamed buns for our morning meeting. Unfortunately the local steam bun ladies did not have any buckwheat but we had corn, sweet ones filled with red bean paste, and pork. Going and getting them was the best part.

We drove three hours through the winding mountainous countryside to Zhao Jue. The scenes along included forests, lakes, countryside, and small mud and brick villages where cows, goats, chickens, dogs, children and villagers walked along the road. The men and women dress nearly the same except the women wear a turban-like hat of bright sturdy fabric and when it gets cold everyone wears heavy, blue wool capes. We made one rest stop so that those feeling car-sick could get air and unfortunately, I had to deal with another trough toilet though this one had the added bonus of a flowing stream of water.

After lunch at the hotel we visited the Yi Center work station where our program is located. Lunch was good except a mistake in translation caused Kate to order her favorite soup with the addition of pork intestine. I tried a piece and while the taste was fine, because of the chewy texture, it found its way to the napkin in my pocket.

A short bumpy ride later and we arrived in the small village containing our program where Yi girls complete several months of general courses (Mandarin and Yi language, life skills, math, and agriculture) and then attend a couple months of vocational training at a nearby center or learn more agricultural skills. Those completing vocational training, they will generally work in a factory.

We are in store for some long cold days at the school…time to double up on long underwear and socks.