Sanya

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We have been told that Hainan Island is the “Hawaii of China.” I have never been to Hawaii but based on the pictures I would have to say it is pretty darn close. We stayed at the Sanya Marriott Resort. It was a great recommendation from several friends. Our week pretty much consisted of laying on the beach or by the pool and ordering lunch. After learning to live in an urban setting with its noise, traffic, and general busyness, we were very content to lie around and swim occasionally.

Our 2nd or 3rd day there, we went for a walk to see the resort area. There is a portion of the beach that is a favorite for Chinese tourists. Their big thing is to buy matching Hawaiian type shirts and shorts. In some cases there were matching hats. Many couples bought matching outfits. I tried to get Dave to do the same, but he just didn’t want to go there. I wonder why…It was all so “cute. ”One day, I did have my time at the spa. While I was being scrubbed and rubbed, Dave went for a sail on a 14 foot catamaran. Dave had such a good time that we both went out the next day on a Hobie 16 catamaran. While I was glad to be sailing, I know that my heart lies with the monohulls. Cats are good in a lot of wind, but I tell you, they do not like to tack. I hit an overload moment and screamed at the boat as it seemed to want to stay head to wind. AAAHHHH!!!!! And now, my apologies to all my friends who sail cats. It takes a very special person with a lot of talent to tackle these boats.

We were going to go diving one day, but Dave’s ear started hurting and would not let him go down. So, we laid around for another day.

One night sitting at the lobby bar listening to the band, we watched a little girl about 3 years old boldly go up to the singers and stand with them. She was cute as she watched their dance moves and tried to mimic them. I have some video footaage I'll put in later.

We did meet two nice couples. One was from Minnesota, living in Suzhou. The other was a Swedish couple living in Hong Kong. The Swedes were sailors and have now given us another place we will have to check out for sailing. They grew up sailing in Sweden and just sang its praises. We have his contact info and he said he would help us find a boat to charter (if anyone is interested).

Our next to last day at the resort, the staff put up a stage and many tables. It looked as if someone was going all out for a wedding. They had several professional video cameras and sound system. It is not unheard of in China for elaborate weddings to take place. The next morning I had my camera ready to take pictures of the happy couple. But this turned out to be more than just a mere wedding. It was a television show that was being taped for New Year’s Eve. There was a wedding. Two couples were married or were just married and featured on the show. It was really the “Foreign Language Song Competition for Chinese Speakers.” I think there were about 10 to 15 contestants, including one of the brides. Some sang solos, some as a group. A few even had dancers on stage with them while they sang. The end of the show was the countdown to the New Year. In a way, it is a shame that we will be in Bangkok for New Year’s. I would love to have seen the show on TV here in China.

Okay. This is my latest and greatest. Enjoy the pictures. They are more telling than anything we actually did. I will add more when we return from the holidays.

We are off to Thailand for two weeks in about 15 minutes. This most likely our last vacation for awhile. We wish everyone a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!!!!!

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Photos

View from the pool
Sit under a palapa and relax. It was fabulous

Chinese tourist area
This is the place to buy matching shirts and shorts!

View from our room
One side of the hotel looked at the beach. The other side at the mountains.

Yoga on the Beach
This is a great way to do yoga. The weather was perfect. I felt a little self conscious but it was still fun.

Setting for the TV show
I'll add more pictures later. Some of the performances were very good and unique.

Just in from a sail
It was great to be back out on the water.

Comments

[Cathy McDaniel]

Merry Christmas
Looks and sounds like you two are making some wonderful memories!! Hope this Christmastime find you both healthy and happy! Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!!

[Dan and Janette]

Everything looks wonderful. Happy holidays from Sugar Land.