Dali- Various sites-local scenes, people and places

DALI AND ITS MAGIC

Visiting family courtyards, cycling to around the island and lakes and local scenes of women. In traditional Naxu culture, women were the breadwinners, worked hard and carried out laborious work, from farming, setting up small buisinesses and raising children. The men socialised, partied and in the old times were also hunters. I was told by the guide that in the old times to marry a Naxi woman was an security insurance for a man. I was amazed at the amount of heavy items the women carried in the villages and mountains, in their heavy baskets they delivered on their backs branches and logs. As a woman, they had a bad deal aad I observed many who were the farm workers and carried heavy items across mountains and field.s

Below, the famous Naxi Orchesra,oldest surviving group playing music from Ming Dinasty with the majority of the male musicians in their late 70's to early eighties. It was very impressive and beautiful music. The group have performed worldwide, including UK. I made contact with the Director and if funding was raised I can arrange for them to come over in 2010 for the London Olympics. Any groups out there interested please do get in touch with me to work on possible projects.

My email is valeriechang106@hotmail.com I plan to be back in UK 12 April 2009. Tel 07941214833. I can understand why so many artists want to live in Dali, it is a beautiful place of natural beauty and retains its strong traditions and way of life.

On my return to UK, I will be seeking new opportunities for project work and employment and interested in offers.