The people I've met in Aozi Town seem to be genuinely kind, curious, hardworking, and happy. Everywhere I go I am met with smiling faces. Those children that are not frightened by the "gweilo" (ghost) walking through town are eager to make contact with me, and more often than not, their parents encourage the interaction. For many of these people, we are the first foreigners they have ever seen.
When I first arrived I walked the streets without my camera out of respect. On the second day, I brought it along. It turns out, the camera opens more doors than it closes here. The happy people of Aozi Town usually come out of their shops and homes to see what all the fuss is about as my partners and I stroll. Everywhere we walk the sound of giggles and laughter follows. Their happy faces will forever be seared into my memory. I am sure I am regarded by the locals as some sort of smiling idiot, but this is a small price to pay for the joyful interactions I've had in the short time I've been here.
As I collect more smiles in the days to follow, I will update this photo gallery. Do check back.
