I was awakened by the propaganda horn at 5:00 AM. After breakfast headed out for about a 100 mile trek. Came across this farmer who was having trouble with his plow. Hard to believe in the world we live in there are still people farming this way. I am amazed the way his cow cooperates – he has it down to a science. We offered our help but it was clear he was going to do it his way. I guess in all fairness you could never take a tractor on the hills they farm anyway.
The scenery was much like the Rocky Mountains. I am amazed how well my guide knows the way. We will be cycling along and all of a sudden he will turn off the road and we will be on these paths that lead right through the village where you see a bit of everything. As a normal tourist you would never know they were there and if you did you would be scared to take them.
We pulled over to view the scenery and there was a small boy running around naked tending to a couple of cows below us. I yelled out “hello” and he responded with a “hello”. My guide whisitled a couple of times and he ran and put his clothes and and began to make his way up the mountain to greet us. I think he was just glad to see another human being. We had a nice chat and I asked if I could get his picture and he agreed. He was very poor and doen’t attend school. Has no internet, books or way to learn. He works on the farm beside his parents and will take over one day. He has a million dollar veiw and just works the land. I felt sorry for him but then again perhaps he feels sorry for me. He is a true minimalist. If his home was in Malibu it would be worth millions of dollars. He has never seen anything any different and will never leave the farm. I gave him some money for some new shoes and we shook hands and he run off like a deer back into the woods. A precious moment!
We continued down the road and checked into out hotel around 5:00 PM. Dinner at 6:30 and then lights out. Tomorrow on our way to Sapa!
Doug's Travels 