Time for lunch
“OM Cave” is located in a village at the foot of Cang Mountain
It’s an old Bai-style house built over 100 years ago
Travelers around the world come here
Some young Chinese also gather here
It’s tagged as the Chinese Community of Hippies
As a photographer
I’ve been living in the OM Cave for about a year and a half
And recording people and moments here
5 years ago, the rent was cheap
Petr leased the place
He’s a musician from Russia
I’m 39 years old
I’ve been in China for 7 years
I used to perform music on the streets of Dali
Once I made some money, I spent it on renovating the house
It took my two and a half years
We cleaned the wood and did little painting, trying to keep the house untouched
I live in the backyard of the house
In a newly-built wooden house
On the porch there’s a tea table around which a lot of conversations going on
Below are the rooms for long-term residents
The kitchen and the bathroom outside are all constructed by Petr himself
Most people come here and leave
But there’re around 5-6 long-term residents
Petr is like a father, or a brother
Who offers us advice and assistance
Alejo is from Argentina
He sailed from Indonesia
And then arrived at Dali
A Mang often cooks for us
Usually we go shopping for groceries in the town by motorbike
The roof leaks in the monsoon
And needs to be renovated every 2-3 years
It’s cold in Dali in winter
So we make a fire and cut firewood by hands
Sometimes we hike to the waterfall in the valley
Because the water there is clean
We sometimes jump into the waterfall, which feels purifying
In many ways it’s not so convenient as living in cities
But life slows down here
Which can offer you satisfaction and pleasure
In the past monk moved into deep mountains and practiced in cave
I hope to continue such spirit here
Away from external influence, people are able to find themselves
At the beginning we sing and dance every night
Gradually the music-oriented life turns into an ordinary one
You don’t need to think what to do later or tomorrow
Self-discipline is very important
For such life
You spend every day at your own will
Now I don’t worry for money
I think as long as you live today fully
Tomorrow will surely be a better day