Trip to Sanya...

I went on vacation by myself once to St. Thomas.  It was on my bucket list after going out to eat by myself, and seeing a movie alone.  It wasn’t the best experience, kind of boring, so I never thought I would do it again.  In St. Thomas, I stayed in a hostel-like place with a private room.  This time, I was going to upgrade.

I was told that I would have 10 days off, so I needed something to so.  I decided to go to Sanya, Hainan.  It is the southern most point of China.  I found a hotel that is more resort-like.  Pool, bar, restaurant, beach…etc.  I also never thought I would travel alone in China, as I do not speak Chinese, but I had to take the chance.

Day one.  Went to get a taxi to the bus station.  It was around 8am, and my bus would leave for the airport at 8:40 (only a 15 minute ride…plenty of time, right?)  It was sprinkling out, and the Chinese do not like their rain, so all the walkers, fearing melting, were taking up all the taxis.  I got that sick feeling in my stomach, that I would miss my bus, and from there, miss my flight, and so on.  Finally, I got a taxi and made it to my bus just in time.  I arrived in Sanya around 6pm, after a 2 hour flight delay.

The hotel was amazing, and for $60 per night, a freaking steal.  The pool is right outside my door, so lazy me loves it.  The beach is just steps away.  They have American food (Ok, really Russian food, but its closer to American food than Chinese)  They had Cheeseburgers!!!

 

This is the view of Sanya from the pool.  (I didn't take many pics)

Sanya is the Caribbean for the Russians.  So many tourists, but still no English.  Many of the Chinese employees would say “Ruski??”, and I was like, NO, English!!

These 2 Russian ladies were staying at my hotel.  They were drunk all the time.  I watched the one on the left get into an angry splash fight with a group of Chinese boys.  She was seriously angry.   I'm not sure how it started, but it was hilarious.

 

 

I decided to take a walk on the beach my first day.  As I get to the end, I notice a gentleman wearing skin colored shorts…whoops, no it was his bum.  Then I saw another one.  It was time to turn around.

Giant yellow duck on the beach.  There were some performers.  It was funny.  Sorry, no pictures of the naked bums!!!

I thought that being in a tourist spot, my being American, wouldn’t be so interesting.  After the first person asked to take their picture with me I realized I was mistaken.  The police also asked to take my picture, and put me in a video for tourism.  I want to say that it bothers me, but I love the attention.

I did end up meeting a Chinese guy who was travelling alone.  It was nice to have some company.  We went to dinner and swimming, and to the carnival.  After that, he asked to be my Chinese boyfriend.  I said “no, thank you”.  The Chinese are a very nice people, but sometimes too nice for their own good.  They feel the need to “help” you with everything.  It’s to the point where they think they know better and you should listen to them.  Not exactly what I’m looking for in a boyfriend.

Here is a woman I met at dinner one night.  The bottle next to be is a 5000Yuan bottle of Bai Jiu.  (Chinese wine).  That's almost $1000.  She kept giving me and my Chinese friends shots.  I have to say, the Chinese are a very generous people and bai jiu is deadly :)

 

I also ended up finding an American restaurant during my stay.  Oh, so happy…coronas, chicken wraps, club sandwich, long island iced tea.  I think I needed that American fix, so I wouldn’t completely stuff my face when I get home (which I’ll probably still do!!)

I stayed in Sanya for 8 nights.  It was much needed and a great getaway.

Now I’m back to teaching again, and still love it. 

 

-Jamie