Lijiang Art Scholarship

There are about 5,000 students attending the Lijiang Teacher's College. It is located right next to Black Dragon Pool. I went up to Lijiang to meet the student candidates for an art scholarship from Roanoke, VA their sister city and my current place of official residence.

Me and Gary

Tibetan students getting ready for their Xmas Party performance

There are 3 studio art depts- Chinese Painting, Sculpture and Oil Painting

The candidates...

One student couldn't make it today

More Yao

In Tai Yang Village, on the border of Laos, the 17 yr old bride said "I have to do it now cause I'm getting too old." Her bridesmaids were 14, 16 and 26. The 16 yr old was getting married 2 days later. The ceremony lasted 2 days- 1st day at the Bride's home, 2nd day she entered the Groom's home- finalizing the marriage. They are the Landing Yao.

The Bride

The Bridesmaids

Boys don't dress up

Pork Skin and fat, fish ,cauliflower with pork fat, celery with pork fat

Children wear pom-pom hats

The Lyrics-the Yao have their own spoken languange but not written

Steaming pork in bamboo

Intestines

Women eat on palm leaves, men with ceramic bowls
Easily recycled

We shared my Saltines

The Groom with his men

Fish and Pork- offering pork symbolizes welcoming the guests

The Red Hat Yao of 8 1 Village.

Pan Xiao Mei is Hong Tou Yao.

Mom's room
The guestroom

An unmarried girl wears a turban-red cone hats are for the married.