Longi Rice Terraces

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On arrival at Longji it was pouring rain and after only five minutes trekking to our lodgings for the night we were glad of our plastic macs and oh so stylish green ponchos! As we climbed up the mountainsides we had to navigate the river of rainwater flowing down the steps. Next morning we set off on our six hour trek through the Longji Rice Terraces a bit disappointed that it was misty and wet but it turned out the mountains were very beautiful shrouded with cloud and as the day brightened up and the sunlight caught the water on the terraces we saw a different but equally magical beauty of Longji. The planting season had not begun but we did see some men pulling ploughs through the narrow paddy fields. We had the opportunity to have tea at a local's house which was big but basically furnished - there was a new tv however. The tea was very unusual - a salty liquid with puffed grains of rice, croutons and roasted peanuts. Not a patch on a cup of Lyons! In the evening some of the local women came to perform dances for us. Vinny had a wonderful evening and even managed to get married! The women invited us to stand in a circle to play a game and one of them went into the centre. She placed a scarf over her eyes and as we sang and danced, she moved around the circle in search of the perfect man. Of course she soon realised that was Vinny. He went into the circle rubbing his hands with glee until he realised as all husbands surely do that he would have to part with his cash! After a toast and a song from his new bride, he discovered to his horror that he was expected to serenade her back. “You are my sunshine....” was greeted with much amusement by the locals when translated by our guide. Check out the photos of the newly married Dr Smyth!!

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