The Oldest Palong man and woman
Later that afternoon we visited the Palong hill tribe's oldest man and woman. No one knows how long this married couple has been together. Not only are there no marriage records, but there are also no birth records. So even they do not know exactly how old they are. But everyone agrees that they are indeed by far the oldest man and woman in the Palong hill tribe.
The couple has known our guide, Pat, since he was a young boy. They were very happy to see him again and to meet us. We felt so privileged to have been invited into their home. They were such happy, gentle souls.
The elderly husband had an instrument similar in size to that of a ukulele. He had carved it out of a piece of wood. It had 3 strings attached.
The older gentleman strummed it and sang two songs to us before his voice gave out.
Then he presented the wooden instrument to Pat who was very touched by the kind gesture. Pat said when his 2 year old son is much older, he will pass it on to him. Until that time, Pat will play it in his own home. It was a heartwarming moment.
The older gentleman strummed it and sang two songs to us before his voice gave out.
The elderly wife is going blind but was full of life. She sang along in her feeble voice. Then she put on her hat and a big smile.
It was a very special time with these two gentle, loving people. We were there for a long time and they said they were sad to see us go. They wanted us to come back soon.
