HAIKOU CITY, HAINAN ISLAND, CHINA

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March 5th 2008

Published: March 16th 2008

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COOKIE W

EVERGREEN PARK WITH OUR HOTEL ON LEFT

GOLDEN SEA VIEW HOTEL ON LEFT

In 110 BC, Emperor Hanwu was the first to assign an administrative office on Hainan Island. It borders Vietnam to the west. The climate is very tropical & due to the abundance of sunlight, many crops are grown such as rice, wheat sweet potato, taro, sorghum, millet & beans. Sugarcane, hemp, peanuts, sesame & tea are also grown. Among the fruits are, pineapple, litchi, banana, plantain, citrus, mango watermellon & jackfruit! It is also rich in medicinal herbs, there are over 4,000 plants that can be used for medicinal purposes. There is no industry on the island, therefore, no pollution.

We are staying at the Golden Sea View Hotel, which is very modern and a 'green' hotel. They are practicing ways not to pollute the rivers and earth. The 31st floor is a revolving restaurant, which is where we start every day having our breakfast. Today I tried the french toast & found it consists of 2 slices of bread, with a jelly filling inbetween!!!! It is a modern hotel; the food is consistently good! The massages are reasonable -- we have both enjoyed -- foot massage $8/body massage $12. It is across from 'Evergreen Park' a lovely, large park

HAIKOU CITY BUILDINGS

where families go to fly kites, ride bikes, eat from vendors & shop the silk/flea market. Holiday Beach is the most popular beach in Haikou, where National sailing & kiteboarding competitions are held.

There is an excellent military hospital here, where Roy and several other Global Volunteers have received good treatment.

There are several extinct volcanos on the island. We went to a volcano park, which had lovely plantings. We climbed to the top of the rim, which was a good workout! From there, we got a good view of the city. This part of Haikou was inhabited 1,000 yrs ago & an arch way & old pieces used for grinding wheat & sugarcane are displayed. The evening was mild and we ate dinner outdoors watching local native dancing & singing.

We went to a beauty center where massages are very good! We each indulged in full body massages & foot massages........full body US$5./foot massage US$8.00;manicures are $3.50, pedicures are $5. Roy went for several massages when time permitted....... We each have enjoyed the nail treatments & massages!!!

Here's an interesting fact: In 1924, China established Woman's Day to be celebrated each year. In 1949, when

BOULEVARD BY HOTEL

new China was established, March 8th was designated as National Woman's Day. It is a half working day for women in China. Their employers give them a gift........if a man doesn't have a women employee, he gives his wife, girlfriend or mother a gift!!!!!!!

The city has many modern skyscrappers & bridges........much in China is so new & modern due to the rapid expansion of the country.

We have departed Haikou, Hainan Island but taken many good memories with us......it is a part of the world which we would like to return to someday..........the people are kind & friendly and the tropical climate delightful!!!

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