The Frist Village With Long Hairs

Wednesday, we purchased tickets for a tour of the Longji Rice Terraces. The previous night's massage had left my lower back in severe pain so the stiff seated 3 hour bus ride was 不舒服(bu shufu; uncomfortable) The bus arrived but not at the rice terraces. We had been hoodwinked! They took us first to a village famous for women with the longest hair, "The frist village with long hairs". They are in the Guinness Book of World Records (but not for their translation skills). You have to pay for the show though, and if you don't, there is nothing else for you to do but wander around until they are done. We did find a few paths around the river but the rain and slick mud kept us from wandering too far. You also get accosted by dozens of women with more trinkets to sell. This was not what we paid for. Half of the day was gone before we finally headed to the rice fields. It was worth the trip though. The mist cleared as we reached the summit and we could look down on centuries worth of hard work. I even met a older lady who for 5K let down her hair for a few pictures. They cut it only once, on their 18th birthday and that hair is wound with the rest on top of their head. She said she doesn't get headaches from the weight of the hair. Unmarried woman keep theirs covered from childhood so that the first person to see it is their new husband. The women work for the family and the men cook, clean and care for the children. This means that the women pick the men they will marry. If they like someone, the custom is to walk behind him and pinch him on the bum. They also have a fixation with men in glasses because this means they are teachers and very special. They are also in danger of being pinched. Frank put his contacts on and there were no incidents. The few men we saw were playing cards or holding sleeping babies, but all were sitting around while the women were busy everywhere. Such an interesting culture. Any single guys who don't want to work, this is the place for you. This place has only been open to the public for about 13 years. China has so many treasures that outsiders have yet to enjoy. Just avoid the tour buses!