The air in Guilin is scorching hot, and temperatures have climbed to over a hundred degrees. Although we’ve escaped from the city to the countryside, we can’t escape the heat. Even the metal on our tandem bicycles we’ve rented is hot to the touch.
Instantly, I begin to notice signs of Chinese rusticity. Although the huts nearest to the city have actual bricks, they still appear to be on the verge of collapse. I immediately find myself doubting the sanity of those who are willing to risk their lives in such structures. A little deeper into the land, and the houses – if they can really be called houses – degrade into a mixture of dirt and dust. My father says that even at night, the houses are like little ovens because of the heat. His grandparents lived in similar huts, and most of his cousins still do. The farmers’ ability to endure is astonishing, I think to myself. I would’ve succumbed to the heat long ago.
â–º QUARTER FINALIST 2012 TEEN TRAVEL WRITING SCHOLARSHIP
Several hours later, I see people with rusty hand spades hunched over wilted-looking plants in dry fields. Despite the hot sun, they’re wearing long-sleeved shirts and pants. It’s because mosquito repellent is expensive, explains my mother, and a farmer’s salary is very low. She too, is descended from farmers.
My incredulity at the residents’ persistence resurfaces again as I see people washing their clothes in murky and foul-smelling brown pond water. They’re like weeds, I say to myself, suddenly amused. Even in bad conditions, they keep on persisting.
A moment later, I see an old woman slowly wheeling a cart of unsold produce. Her dark brown skin has attained a leather-like consistency from age, and hunched over, her weary walk is a tread.
How can she still work? She must be at least ninety.
I see her enter a small, grime-covered house on the side of the road. A small child runs out to greet her – the first I’ve seen here. Suddenly, to my disbelief, her despondent demeanor cracks off like a shell, and within seconds, it’s replaced by an infectious vitality.
At this moment I finally understand the will of these people. Their will is tied to their children, and in this case, their grandchildren. As resolute as weeds, they sweat and labor for the sole purpose of providing a better future for their children.
I suddenly grasp the commonality of such an event – there must be millions of people like her in China. It is then that I begin to see a connection to my own life. I remember my mother telling me about my farming great-grandparents, and how they lived in conditions even worse than those of Guilin. Though most of their children still became farmers, enough money was saved for one to travel to the city and become a carpenter. Several, through hard work and sacrifice, managed to go to school and become engineers. One even became a physicist. Some traveled to America, eventually giving rise to my generation.
Back in the countryside, I spot some weeds growing – miraculously – on a rock. Already, there’s new soil around the roots; the product of decomposing plants and the roots’ own breaking down of the rock. Delicate, pale pink wildflowers and other fragile plants have begun to grow in the newly-made soil. They’re just like me, I realize. Just like the flowers, my life is the way it is largely due to the efforts of my farmer-ancestors and the later efforts of my parents and grandparents. They, like weeds, provided the foundation so that others could bloom and prosper.
Dear Reader: This page may contain affiliate links which may earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase. Our independent journalism is not influenced by any advertiser or commercial initiative unless it is clearly marked as sponsored content. As travel products change, please be sure to reconfirm all details and stay up to date with current events to ensure a safe and successful trip.
0 Replies to “The Will Of The Weeds”
Comment on this article
This is a topic that’s near to my heart… Take care!
Thanks for finally talking about >Family Travel Insurance <Loved it!
Family volunteering opportunities are a great way to give back with your teenager at your side.
May I simply say what a comfort to discover someone that actually knows what they’re discussing over the internet.
Wow, this list is amazing! I’ve always wanted to experience Mardi Gras beyond New Orleans. Thanks for sharing these incredible locations. Can’t wait to start planning my next adventure!
My partner and I absolutely love your blog and find most of your post’s to be precisely what I’m looking for. Would you offer guest writers to write content for yourself?
I wouldn’t mind creating a post or elaborating on a number of the subjects you write regarding here. Again, awesome weblog!
excellent post, very informative. I’m wondering wwhy the other experts oof this secto do not notice this. You should proceed your writing. I am sure, you have a huge readers’ baee already!
Hello.This post was extremely remarkable, especially because I was browsing for thoughts on this issue last couple of days.
You completed several good points there. I did a search on the matter and found mainly folks will agree with your blog.
WOW just what I was searching for. Came here by searching for
T Thomas Group offers bespoke travel planning.Luxury Travel Specialist that specializes in customized itineraries, luxury cruises, small group tours, solo travel and all aspects of LGBTQ+ travel. We ensure a seamless and luxurious travel experience, designed exclusively for you.
Thank you, I have just been searching for info approximately this subject for a while and yours is the best I have found out so far. However, what concerning the bottom line?
Are you certain in regards to the supply?
Hello! Would you mind if I share your blog with my myspace group?
There’s a lot of people that I think would really enjoy your content.
Please let me know. Thanks
Very interesting subject, thanks for posting. blog
It’s appropriate time to make some plans for the future and it is time to be happy.
Great post and straight to the point.
Interesting post. I’m glad I came across this page. I’m going to bookmark it so I can read any future posts.
An impressive share! I have just forwarded this onto a coworker who has been conducting a little research on this. And he in fact ordered me lunch because I stumbled upon it for him… lol. So let me reword this…. Thanks for the meal!! But yeah, thanks for spending some time to talk about this subject here on your website.
Hi! Im originally from Cambiaso and
I do mission trips to the village every year. I have read your article and I am so grateful for what you have done with my people. I would love to connect with you.
Wow, this article really resonated with me! Traveling in Europe with family can be such an incredible adventure, but it definitely comes with its own set of challenges. From navigating unfamiliar streets to finding activities that everyone enjoys, it’s a whirlwind of excitement and sometimes chaos. But hey, isn’t that what makes the best memories? Thanks for sharing your experiences and tips, they’re super helpful for planning our own European family escapade! ???
It’s hard to find knowledgeable people in this
particular topic, but you seem like you know what you’re talking about!
Thanks
Greetings! I’ve been following your website for a while now and finally got the courage to go ahead and give
you a shout out from Atascocita Tx! Just wanted to mention keep up the great work!
Your writing has a way of making even the mundane sound interesting. Kudos!
They are very very similar to the key facet all of us keep hidden from the world, the part of us that dares to dream impossible issues, where all our hopes and fantasies are born.
This article is impressive for me as mine east coast of usa
Howdy! This blog post couldn’t be written any better! Reading through this
article reminds me of my previous roommate! He constantly kept preaching
about this. I will send this article to him.
Fairly certain he’ll have a very good read. Many thanks for sharing!
Absolutely love this list of Mardi Gras celebrations outside New Orleans! Each destination seems to offer its own unique blend of culture, music, and vibrant festivities. While I’m tempted to explore them all, I can’t help but dream of experiencing the colorful chaos of Mardi Gras in Goa, India. Exploring India’s rich cultural tapestry during this festive season would undoubtedly be an unforgettable adventure. Thanks for inspiring wanderlust with these fantastic recommendations!
Thanks verfy interesting blog!
I was able to find good info from your blog posts.
“MyFamilyTravels provides a wonderful platform for families to share their travel experiences and glean inspiration for their own adventures. The diverse array of destinations and insightful tips make it a valuable resource for planning memorable trips. Kudos to the team for fostering a community that celebrates the joys of family travel!”
Your site is great and I plan on exploring it even more in the future. It is well written, comprehensive in it’s suggestions, It was a great article, thanks for sharing!
nice
There is certainly a lot to learn about this subject.
I really like all the points you made.
Nice Blog, Thanks for sharing this informative blog. We provide a Nepal Tour Package from Musafircab.
Yes. This is exactly what you should know to have a comfortable and cost-effective trip.
bookmarked!!, I love your site!