6 January 2011 ~ Hainan Culture

Woke up to an incredible sunrise this morning! Man, I am one lucky woman!

Then Nancy and I were off to explore the culture of Hainan. At the concierge desk we found a list of places to visit in the area, but the drawback for us was that it was all written in Chinese characters. We were given a bit of a description by one of the clerks who spoke a little English, but we were basically flying blind here. We were too late to take one of these tours provided by the hotel, so we hired a taxi. The clerk graciously helped us and let the driver know we wanted to go to the Bing Lang Gu Areca Valley Tourist Resort. We had no idea where it was or what we would find when we arrived, but we were up for an adventure! As it turned out, it was about an hour's drive from the hotel and as we drove along, the taxi driver kept telling us, "No taxi back, no taxi back." At one point he even stopped the car (in the middle of the road mind you...just gotta love driving in China!) and drew a U turn in the palm of his hand for us to get the idea that maybe we should turn around go back because where we were going, there was no way back. We thought it was very interesting that the driver had not informed us of this important fact BEFORE we left the hotel. We figured he was either highly concerned about our safety or was simply putting on a show in order to get more money from us when we arrived at our destination, the latter most likely being the case. Nancy and I did not let these words from the taxi driver deter us in the slightest. We just looked at each other and said, "Ahh, we'll figure it out when we get there!" (It just amazes me how much more courageous I am now. I've come a long way from the lost woman who stepped out of a taxi to go to the orthodontist just a few short months ago!) It was a beautiful drive through the countryside and up into the mountains along a long winding road. Once we arrived and saw just how correct the taxi driver was, Nancy and I talked him into staying and waiting for us. Maybe it was our sweet smiles that convinced him, but more likely, it was the extra 100 kuai we agreed to pay him!

And here we were...at the Bing Lang Gu Areca Valley Tourist Resort. As we stepped out of the cab, a sweet angel arrived. His name was Chan Zujian (also known as Alan--many Chinese people take an English name), he spoke beautiful English, and offered to be our guide for the day. Since Nancy and I had no idea where we were and what this place was all about, we gladly took him up on his offer. It was the best decision we made all day. He was the sweetest, most adorable man who took incredibly good care of us for the next four hours.

We soon found out that China consists of over 50 nationalities, two of them being the Li and Miao, two indigenous cultures that reside in the mountains of Hainan Island. This beautiful place was a living history museum dedicated to these two very special peoples. After getting to know Zujian a bit, we found out that he was Li and lived right here in Bing Lang Gu.

Praying frog...one of my favorite sights of the day.

Frogs are very important to the Li people and considered to be very lucky.

We also learned that the frog was a symbol of a mother's love for her children in the Li culture. : )

I'm surrounded by luck and lots of love from Mom. Doesn't get much better than this. : )

Believed to be the earliest settlers 3000 years ago, the Li people are the largest indigenous group living on the Island of Hainan.

Here's our sweet Zujian with one of the Li elders. Looks like they're giving a thumbs up, but this is the Li way of saying hello.

This endearing woman, a Li elder, is 85 years old.

Known for possessing the earliest weaving technology in Chinese history, the Li contributed enormously to the rise of silk weaving technology and the production of silk clothing throughout China. It was amazing to watch these incredibly skilled women produce this beautiful silk cloth.

The oldest of the elders, 93, chatting with our guide, Zujian. Zujian told us later, with a shy smile, that the elders are constantly trying to play matchmaker and find for him the perfect girl.

Beautiful, vibrant colors.

Many years ago, young Li girls were tattooed at the age of 13 or 14 on the nape of their neck, then over their face and throat. These tattoos were a symbol to show that she was now a woman eligible to marry and seen as an adult within the tribe. Each pattern was different on each woman, and it was believed that this allowed her to be more easily recognized by her ancestors in the afterlife. These sweet women are one of the last generations of women with tattooed faces, as this custom ceased after the Chinese revolution.

It was custom for young Li gentleman to climb the bitternut tree to bring down bitternuts for his bride to be.

Bitternut trees

Granary among the bitternut trees.

More lucky frogs.

Bamboo dancers

Pippi Longstocking?

We then hiked up into the jungle...

As we walked along we were greeted by this adorable baby pig. Seemed a little out of place, but she sure was cute!

She fell asleep in Nancy's arms.

This little piggy went to market and this little piggy...is a crocodile???

Then came the heartwarming little monkeys...

Ahhhh....

Okay, don't really know what came over me here to actually hold a boa constrictor...

By now, both Nancy and I were in love with our guide, Zujian, and were ready to take him home with us. He was kind, caring, full of knowledge, and loved sharing his history and culture with us. He really touched our hearts!

Bridge across the jungle.

Beautiful views

Off to the Rainforest Teahouse...

Not only did Nancy and I have an eye for Zujian, but so did ALL the girls in the park, especially this sweet young woman serving our tea.

As we left the teahouse, Zujian said, "OK, now it is time to play a game...we're going on the zip wire to the bottom of the jungle!" Nancy and I had seen and commented on the signs, but we had no idea this was part of the tour! Before we knew it, we were suited up and ready to zip!

This was my first experience on a zip wire and I must say, I'm hooked (pardon the pun). What a blast it was zipping over those trees. I must do this again someday. : )

We had to buy the pictures.

After the zip wire experience, we thought a little fortune an longevity would do us some good. : )

Ahhh, sweet Zujian, I'm going to miss you.

Last stop: baked bananas.

They were actually quite tasty!

One last snap at the front gates, a heartfelt good-bye to Zujian, then into our...

...waiting taxi! : )

What a fantastic, impromptu experience! I just love when things unfold so perfectly even when you don't have a single plan!

We ended the night in the basement bowling alley at the hotel. What fun we had!!

"Hey Nancy, how do we type in our names??"

This is how most of my night went...

However, I did get one strike.

This is how most of Nancy's evening went...

Yep, that's my ball...

Another split??

Oooh, oooh, just a little bit more to the left...PLEASE!!

"I give up!"

Nancy feeling sorry for me...

Cute bowling shoes

The final results...

Then it was off to the pool hall to rack 'em up and watch the guys playing mahjong. When we walked in, they saw we were American and said, "Heeellllooooo, niiice tooo meeeeet youuuu!" Turned out it was the only English phrase they knew and kept repeating it over and over. : )

I'm no better at pool than I am at bowling.

We just kept cracking up. We had had a glorious day exploring Hainan culture and now here we were in the basement of the hotel bowling and playing pool...who would have thunk it?

Good night, Nancy! : )

5 January 2011 ~ Arriving in Sanya, China

Oh man, I'm back in China and there goes my stomach again. Do you think I'm allergic to this place? I was so proud of my belly...two weeks in Thailand, eating and drinking whatever I wanted and my stomach was a happy, happy camper. One day back in China and...not so happy. : ( It sure was a blessing to do nothing but sleep, read, watch TV, and order room service yesterday. What a much needed gift and what a luxurious place in which to relax and regroup. My flight to Sanya didn't leave until 11:05, and since I was only a two minute walk from the Guangzhou Airport, I was able to have a nice relaxing morning too.

I was in a bit of culture shock when I arrived at the airport in Sanya. If it wasn't for my stomach revolting again, I really would have know I was back in China when I had to bring my own toilet paper into the loo, squat to pee, use my suitcase as a blocking device and act like a football player to protect my spot in line for a taxi, and when the taxi driver swerved into oncoming traffic (as I was flying across the back seat) to pass a very large bus and honked at small children and old ladies who were simply trying to cross the road.

Ahh, China, I just gotta love ya! Ohh, Thailand, I sure do miss you!

I was meeting my friend Nancy at the Sunny Sanya Family Inn, but she took one look at the place when she arrived, decided it wasn't for her, and booked a room at the hotel next door. I spent far too much time in the lap of luxury in the last two weeks and I must say that I am now officially spoiled because I, too, decided to go for the classier joint next door. Especially when I saw this view from Nancy's balcony! Nice choice, Nancy.

It was a glorious day.

We took a lovely walk on the beach.

And had a late lunch at an outdoor Russian restaurant. Sanya is a big Russian getaway destination. Very little English spoken or written anywhere, but lots of Russian! We decided to try the local catch of the day...

I thought I'd continue to eat what I wanted to eat like when I was in Thailand, but no go! Tummy still not happy. Boo hao. : /

Chinese lantern in coconut tree. Lovin' it.

Ended the afternoon with a foot massage on the beach. The guy giving me the massage cracked me up. He spoke very broken English, but bent my ear for the entire one hour massage about every topic under the sun, with quite a bit of time spent on politics and religion. Let's just say that he is not entirely happy with the government here in China and would love a better life. Kept using his three favorite American swear words to emphasize his point throughout this one sided conversation. It's really ironic that I had this guy of all guys rubbing my feet today. I've been a bit unsettled with returning to China and its many restrictions, especially after an amazing two weeks in Thailand. And what do I attract when I'm trying to relax and let it all go?? Unsettled massage man. Time to start thinking positive again. The power of the mind is an amazing thing.

Another glorious room...

Loving spoiling myself. : )

4 January 2011 ~ I Stopped

Woke up this morning utterly exhausted in this glorious bed, called the airline, moved my flight ahead another 24 hours, called downstairs to the front desk and asked for another night, and rolled over and went back to sleep.

3 January 2011 ~ Day of Flying Back to China

What an interesting day!

Off to my next adventure: Sanya--on Hainan Island, China.

I had it in my head that my flight left at 2:30 this afternoon and the plan was that the boys were going to put in their last morning of construction work, then Brandon, Jess, Megan and I were all going to take off at 12:00, right after lunch. I was going to be dropped off at the airport and Brandon, Jess and Megan were off to a week in Phuket. Well, it a very good thing that I checked on my flight last night because, it was not leaving at 2:30, it was leaving at 12:05! Good to know, but this threw a monkey wrench into all the plans. Many ideas were thrown about on how to get me to the airport, and I finally ended up catching a ride with Pon and Da as they were taking two sick kids, Gomin and Khati, to the doctor in Phuket early this morning. This meant I no longer had the morning to spend with the kids and I had just enough time to pack my bags, say a quick goodbye, and hop in the truck. The good thing and the bad thing all wrapped up into one was that my goodbyes were cut very short. I really wanted to chance to touch base with each child, but there just wasn't the time. And when I did say goodbye, the kids were engrossed in a painting project. As it turned out, it was a small blessing in disguise because it made my goodbyes go really smoothly, until I got to Ruth. There were tears on both our parts. I think I felt most connected to her and she to me, so it was not an easy parting. My heart ached when I finally left, yet it was overflowing with joy all at the same time. Tears are coming now as I type this. Those little guys filled me with hope, love, and a deep knowing that any adversity in life can be overcome. Their stories are such a gift and I walked away with overflowing blessings from each and every one of those dear children. I love you, Sarina, Hanna, Kaleb, Pauli, Gomin, Yotin, Joe, Khati, Khon Pon, Om, Ruth, and Phann! You are all in my heart forever. Thank you for your hugs, love, and life lessons that will be with me forever.

It was yet another blessing in disguise that I arrived at the airport really early. It was packed with people, cars, and the lines went out the door. Took me over an hour just to check in. I was looking at three flights today: Phuket to Bangkok, Bangkok to Guangzhou, and Guangzhou to Sanya. I had faith that it would all play out smoothy even when they made me sign a waver saying that if I missed my connection in Bangkok I was on my own. I was transferring from Thai Airways to Kenya Airways, who had no agreements with each other. I spent just a bit of time being pissed with CheapOair again (I had gone round and round with them for a month because the flight they had me on going back to Dalian from Sanya did not exist), but I simply signed the waver, took and deep breath, and knew that no matter what, all would be well. Flying through Asia is all about having faith.

The flight was delayed out of Phuket, but I made it safely to Bangkok and only had a short time to check into my next flight to Guangzhou. That was part of the waiver I signed...had to jam off the plane, run to the ticket counter, and check in again with Kenya Airways or according to the waiver, I was "on my own." Thank goodness the folks at Kenya Air gave me a special pass so I could zip through customs and security because Bangkok Airport is one darn BIG airport! I made it with just about two minutes to spare...and a lot of sweat! Phew! So please tell me, why oh why would CheapOair put me on two airlines that have no commitment to each other and only give me a small window of time to change planes?? I learned soooooo many lessons on this trip, but being it was my first go at traveling through Asia, I wasn't doing half bad!

I loved being on the Kenya Airways flight. A sold out flight full of Africans, Chinese, Thai, and...me! : )

I made it safe and sound to Guangzhou Airport and I was ever so happy to see that my luggage did too! I thought thought Bangkok Airport was big, but Guangzhou was twice the size! I gathered my belongings and my wits, made it through customs without a hitch, knew I had about three hours before my next flight, and was feeling pretty good. After a twenty minute walk from the terminal, I finally made it to the ticket counter to check in with China Southern Air. The guy didn't speak much English, so he underlined the time my flight was supposed to take off, 10:35pm, and wrote 11:05am on the side of my paperwork. I was a bit confused at first, but he got it across to me that the flight I was booked on through CheapOair was not going to leave at 10:35pm because it already left that morning at 11:05am!!

Urrrrgghh! CheapOair strikes again! The one good thing is that they were living up to their name, I must give them credit for that. I was then directed to another counter to figure out what to do next. A very kind woman told me she could either get me on a flight leaving in 20 minutes or one at midnight. I knew there was no way I was going to check my bags and make the long journey back to the terminal in 20 minutes, and the thought of flying at midnight was ever so daunting, so I decided to call uncle and asked her if I could simply fly out the next morning. She happily put me on flight 6746 leaving at 11:05 tomorrow morning. Thought this was pretty ironic considering it was the flight I was supposed to be on today! ; ) I then asked about accommodations for the night and she said walk straight that way, pointing directly behind me. Being ever so tired at this point, I did as I was told and soon found myself walking outdoors into the very cold rainy night air (I was still dressed as if I was in Phuket) and there, towering above me, was the Five Star Pullman Hotel. Can it get any better than that?? I checked into this most glorious hotel, took a long hot bath (haven't seen a bathtub in a looooong time), and snuggled into the most luxurious bed (haven't felt such softest since leaving my own bed back home) that had, count them, SIX down pillows!

I find myself actually appreciating CheapOair at this point in time!!!

Go figure!