Earth Runs: A Global Journey of a Naxi Woman

Author: Yang Yiben / Country: Mainland China
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2006-08-01
Features: She is a Naxi woman who only left Lijiang, known as the "pocket bottom," for the provincial capital Kunming at the age of 21. To the women around her, this was already a "shocking achievement." Her father said that in the past, if a woman in the village could go to Dali with her husband or family, it was something worth boasting about. She would be repeatedly introduced to the villagers as someone who had "seen the city gates." However, the story far exceeded anyone's imagination at the time. This Naxi woman not only stepped out of her original "small world" but also embarked on a journey westward. Earth of Yiben recounts the experiences of a convoy and an exploration team in Central Asia, West Asia, and East Africa, covering history, geography, folklore, religion, culture, and more. The author, Yang Yiben, the vice mayor of Lijiang City, said in an interview with a reporter that eight years ago, she began a global journey with a convoy of over 20 people. This Naxi woman from Lijiang, Yunnan, finally had the chance to fulfill her childhood dream.
Around the castle is an open area, with the Chu River to the west. From the city center, the Chu River can be seen far away, like a golden ribbon flowing down from the horizon. About 100 meters to the south is a long stretch of broken walls. The castle is surrounded by many dug pits. On the way here, we heard a shepherd say that he had dug up a 30-kilogram solid gold tiger nearby and dozens of kilograms of copper coins. That gold tiger was bought by a "bailiff" for 2,000 U.S. dollars. I am deeply heartbroken to see the ancient city of Kucha being destroyed so cruelly, but honestly, as a cultural worker, there is nothing I can do. Standing in the castle, I immerse myself in history, as if I see Li Bai shopping in the market with his mother and reciting the Four Books and Five Classics in his study at night. At night, when Li Bai needed to urinate, his mother used a clay jar to collect it. Because Qiyun found a broken clay jar, I jokingly said, "This must be Li Bai's urine jar—taking it back would be worth a lot of money." Qiyun indeed held onto it tightly, weighing it for a long time, until we were about to get on the bus, reluctantly throwing it away, saying it couldn't be taken.
Li Bai loved swordsmanship in his youth and was chivalrous and excellent in poetry. I think it was the customs and traditions of Central Asia, the heroes of all ages, and the civilizations of the East and West, as well as the diverse people and events traveling back and forth along the ancient Silk Road, that shaped Li Bai's generous personality. He wrote, "At the age of fifteen, I loved swordsmanship and defeated all the feudal lords," and he "drank freely and traveled far," "Calling the boy to bring out fine wine to share with you, to ease the sorrows of ages." Truly a great poet who was bold and unrestrained.
I sat in the ancient castle for a long, long time, letting the wind blow and the sun shine, unwilling to leave. The hustle and bustle of the market seemed to echo in my ears, as if Li Bai's slender figure was moving in every corner before me. He wore a topknot and white shirt and pants, sometimes following his mother in the market, and other times studying in his father's study. The sun set, and I reluctantly bid farewell, turning back three times at every step.
When we returned to Xinqu Kindergarten, the RV was already there. I knew the team leader and others had only returned from Bishkek to the camp at 9 p.m. the night before. Though we had only been apart for a day, everyone was very happy to see each other, as if we had been reunited after a long separation. You patted me, I scratched you, very affectionate. The farewell banquet was held by the Muslim Association and could be described as abundant. Leaders from several villages in Shaanxi Manor were all present. During the banquet, we sang and danced together, first with a passionate folk dance of the old Hui people, then with international dance. The current editor of Qingmiao invited me to dance the Russian dance, and Shaba and Baodong also asked me to dance. The editor also brought his beautiful daughter to ask the painter Fu Shucheng for advice on learning Chinese painting.
Finally, the banquet ended. Everyone was in high spirits. The team leader Li Jie took the painter Shucheng, secretary Xiao Long, and Zhang Xu from CCTV to the president's home, while the rest returned to the RVs to sleep. Under the moonlight, Shaba, Dongsheng, and Baodong came to bid farewell to us. I gave Shaba a Lijiang VCD, though I knew there were no VCD players here. But I hope Shaba keeps it, to show the children one day. Perhaps his descendants will one day come to Lijiang.
P28-30