Earth is Running - A Global Journey of a Naxi Woman

Author: Yang Yiben
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 Yang 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 embarked on 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 wall ruin. Pits had been dug around the castle. On the way here, we heard from a shepherd that he had found a 30-kilogram solid gold tiger near here and dozens of kilograms of copper coins. The gold tiger was bought by a "constable" for 2,000 U.S. dollars. I was deeply heartbroken to see the ancient city of Khodzhent destroyed so cruelly, but honestly, as a cultural worker, there was nothing I could do. Standing in the castle, I immersed myself in history, as if I saw Li Bai shopping in the market with his mother and reciting the Four Books and Five Classics in his study at night. When Li Bai needed to urinate at night, his mother used a ceramic jar to collect it. Because Qiyun found a broken jar, I jokingly said, "This must be Li Bai's urinal—taking it back would be worth a lot of money." Qiyun indeed held onto it tightly, weighing it in his hands for a long time. By the time we were about to get on the bus, he reluctantly threw it away, saying he couldn’t take it with him.
Li Bai, from a young age, loved swordsmanship and was chivalrous and excellent in poetry. I think it was the folk customs of Central Asia, the heroes of past and present, and the civilizations of the East and West, as well as the diverse people and events that passed through the ancient Silk Road, that shaped Li Bai's generous personality. He wrote in his essays, "At the age of fifteen, I loved swordsmanship and overthrew all the feudal lords." He "drank freely and traveled far," "Call the boy to exchange fine wine, and together we will dispel the sorrows of ages." Truly a great poet who was bold and generous.
I sat in the ancient castle for a long, long time, letting the wind and sun blow on me, 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.
By the time we returned to Xinqiu 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. Although 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 lavish. Leaders from several villages in Shaanxi Manor attended. During the banquet, we sang and danced together, very lively. First came a passionate folk dance of the old, followed by international dance. The song was Qingmiao by the current editor-in-chief, a tall Russian who asked me to dance the Russian dance. Sheba 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 to stay. The rest of the group returned to the RVs. Under the moonlight, Sheba, Dongsheng, Baodong, and others came to bid farewell to us. I gave Sheba a Lijiang VCD, even though I knew there were no VCD players here. But I hope Sheba keeps it, and one day he will play it for his children. Perhaps one day his descendants will come to Lijiang.
P28-30