While traveling to the mountain we drove through the countryside. We saw many farms along the highway. Lots of rice patties, grape vineyards, and lotus fields. People here like to eat the lotus blossoms and roots. We also saw some small patches of corn. Occasionally a few rows planted in between patties or small plots the size of our sweet corn field. There were farmers in the fields working all by hand. All the fields are very small in comparison to Illinois. The guide told u that all the homes along the highway were painted and fixed up by the government for appearance sake. They want the tourists to believe all the farmers live in relatively nice homes but actually their homes are much worse. Farmers don't own any of their own land. The government allows them to farm the land. The amount of acreage is based on the population of the family.
Rural residents are allowed to have more than one child. If their first born is a boy they can't have any more. If their first born is a girl they can try for a boy 4 years later. So all families either have 1 boy, 1 boy and 1 girl, or 2 girls.
The soil here is really red and appears to be a clay. They plant with lots of terracing to help with erosion control. The tea trees are planted this way.
We took a tour bus up the mountain and rode around hairpin turns for 2 hours. I did really well, was afraid I'd be sick. At the top of the mountain was a 48 meter high gold Buddha. It was really beautiful. Under the Buddha was a round room/temple. It was very calming inside. The view down from the mountain was incredible! The most interesting was the temperature change. When we left it was about 80 outside. At the top if the mountain it was 50 with a little breeze.
Another great day if touring and I think I'm allowed to say now that I've been here over a week... I'm sick of Chinese food!!!! Jumbo burger anyone????
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