Our tour today took us to see a bit of this Chinese Island. We got on the bus, and the first thing the guide told us was that Hainan is the 2nd largest island in China. “First is Taiwan”, she added. I’m sure the Taiwanese don’t agree with that!
First port of call was a Pearl Museum. This was more interesting than it sounds but with the ubiquitous shop attached – “we are waiting to help you”. Then off to what was described as a “Buddhist Theme Park”. I can’t help it – my brain did an amalgamation of Buddhism and Disneyland. Withy twirling tea-cups being replace with lotuses and daring rides in Buddha’s belly!
It wasn’t really like that. But it did have a ‘petit train’ to take you around the park. At least two Guinness Book of Records Buddhas – who’d have thought the Buddhists would be so competitive? The largest gold and jade Buddha. And a gigantic Buddha standing on an island in the sea. (Not sure of the Guinness category!) Definitely a female Buddha – could be a Mary statue with the features were a bit different. And to be fair – quite beautiful.
We wandered around. There were a large number of temples and many places where incense could be lit and left. Many younger Chinese – mostly girls, asked to have their photos taken with us. We’d line up and suddenly young girls would come from everywhere to be in the photo. Just imagine them later – here’s a photo of two old Western ladies we met at the theme park! I can’t imagine why they want to. I wasn’t sure whether I felt like Princess Diana or a circus freak. I’ll give them the benefit of the doubt!
To get into Sanya (Hainan is part of China) we had to fill in a quarantine form. Very specific about illnesses. Do you have … FEVER, SNIVEL…. Up to Aids, Psychosis. And a spot to put your temperature – yes, your Temperature. They are terrified of Bird Flu.
