Hainan Island, China's Hawaii

Sorry for the lack of posting lately. I've been on vacation while on vacation! No joke. On Tuesday morning, Brad, Xian, her nephew Kenneth, and I hopped on a plane and flew to Hainan Island, nicknamed "China's Hawaii." The forecast was for 28 degrees and sunshine, and it did not disappoint! We landed in Sanya, which is the southern tip and also the resort hot spot of the island. We spent our first night there, in an inexpensive hotel a few blocks from the beach. I should mention that the weather since I arrived in China has been rather chilly. I'd actually been wearing my long rain jacket that I wear in the winter back home. So, it was pretty nice to arrive on this tropical island! After checking into the hotel we walked down to the beach and Brad, Kenneth and I went swimming. It was glorious!! It was a very busy beach with some water sports going on as well - parasailing, jet skis, inflatable boats… but we walked to the far end where it was less crowded. After our swim we went for a beer and fries at an outdoor pub and it really felt like we were on holiday! 

Buying delicious fresh mangos.

Our first meal on Hainan Island.

Hainan Island is known for its fresh seafood, fruit and also surfing!

There were shops all along the beach, selling water wings, tubes, flip flops, hawaiian shirts, and sun hats.

View outside our hotel window.

First glimpse of the beach.

Ahhhh…. sand, sun, and surf at last!

Kenneth!

Xian, Kenneth, and me.

Hainan is also know for its pirates.

Sauntering along the waterfront.

It's "peejo" time! Hainan beer was delicious. It was like the Corona of China.

The Chinese really know how to enjoy a meal. They eat together, sharing dishes, and there is always way too much food! These huge tables were lined up all along the boardwalk. I wish Canada could be like this.