I was not expecting the warm welcome by my host family. As she shook my hands vigorously with “Shae Sha La” by way of greeting, I felt my apprehension of village life dissipate. Being a city girl, I didn’t think I could adapt well to the rustic Lahu lifestyle set in the rural village of Doi Pu Muen. However, I figured I might as well set my expectations aside and accept the experience with an open mind.
The homestay was refreshingly different from anywhere I’ve ever stayed. The house was made of wood and bamboo with an outhouse toilet. Chickens, dogs and cats roamed about the compound. My homestay family had four children who were initially reserved as the language barrier made communication difficult. However, over the next few days, they opened up to us as we picked up simple Lahu words to communicate with them.
While it took a while for me to get used to showering in the cold mountain water and waking up to the incessant crowing of roosters, the cozy meals with the family were experiences I thoroughly enjoyed. Seated on mats, I felt like part of the family as we ate Lahu home-cooked meals while sharing light-hearted banter (mainly with the help of gestures) with the family. The family was keen to learn English to better communicate with us.
Outside of our homestay, we were free to explore the picturesque scenery of Doi Pu Muen as well as visit friends in other homestays. To say that the families went out of their way to ensure our stay was comfortable and memorable would be an understatement.
We reveled in the tribal culture through the traditional Lahu music and dance performances around a campfire under the starry night. In return, we shared our own culture with them too. It was truly enchanting!
We received a hands-on experience of tea leaf production, from picking them fresh off the hills to roasting and ‘massaging’ the tea leaves. Apart from that, our fitness was put to the test during a grueling hike up the mountain. However, the feeling of literally walking among the clouds and the breathtaking tropical view made it all worthwhile. On our trek down the mountain, we met with a rainstorm that rendered the trail slippery and muddy, and yet it was all very exciting and unforgettable.
Ultimately, the simple life of the Lahu villagers was a good escape from the hustle and bustle of the city. Or boo ur ja (thank you), Lahu!
