Visiting a Yi village can very rapidly take unexpected turns. When I arrived, these kids were curious about me. I took my time photographing them, as their awareness of my presence eventually wore off and they returned to their daily chores. Meanwhile, my guide was negotiating access to the lower part of the village, but the man in charge would not budge. Our welcome was revoked. This was not uncommon, especially in the villages wanting to maintain their autonomy.
Traveling through Yi territory puts in perspective what is really needed to live, and in most cases what it takes to survive. They have very few clothes, sometimes barely more than one set. They travel on foot for miles to reach the local convenience store or the monthly market. Their daily routine rarely deviates, even when they are sick, as weather is a constant threat to their livelihood. They have very little, but they have heart.
