Man - Working the Garden of Life (Rice Terraces, Northwest Vietnam)

Rice is considered the unofficial symbol of Vietnamese culture. It is often referred to as a "Gift from God." Terraced rice patties are the absolute glory of Northern Vietnam, commonly known as the region of Sa Pa (Sapa). These rice fields are the source of life for villagers; the traditional currency. In conversation, a Red Dzao tribesman said to me, quite bluntly, "No rice field, no life!"

River's Rumination: When mankind destroys itself within, the precious glory without, i.e., Nature begins to crumble. This is evident throughout the world. A glaring example is the literal wasteland found on Mt. Everest. Thousands of pounds of human waste and garbage left by man from the base camps to its peak wreck havoc on the environment. Not only does garbage smother plants, start fires, and harm or kill animals, but it also attracts rats, insects, and harmful bacteria, inevitably polluting the air and causing human disease. And since garbage travels, i.e., by wind, etc., it will find its way into the rivers, lakes, and oceans, affecting all ecosystems within that body of water, which include fish and other animals that actually drink this polluted water.

The hills of Sa Pa are relatively unmolested by the greed of man. The land mostly serves its primary purpose: provide beauty, reasonable shelter, and subsistence. However, the hills are not totally immune from the devastating effect of pollution, the ignorance of pollution has made its way to the very hilltops of North Vietnam. On the train