road ran further south in Hainan's direction. Still, being already late, I
thought I would only reach the island after dark and settled for a
night in Leizhou.
Leizhou – Haikou, Hainan Island – 105 km
I hadn't seen any Westerners since my arrival in China a month ago.
Thus, it was common to get a few stares as I was completely
different from the Chinese, in practically every way. My every move
was scrutinised and the fact that I was travelling solo wasn't
something the Chinese could wrap their heads around. While they
didn't say it, it looked as if they felt sorry for me, you could see it in
their eyes. The Chinese didn't understand why someone would want
to take a vacation to a foreign country by themselves.
People on scooters could cause accidents how they swung around to
look, and people in cars slowed down, holding up their toddlers to get
a glimpse at this foreign woman. Likewise, stopping to get a drink
was something of a circus. Some were curious, and others were
scared; several came closer, a few kept their distance, some pointed,
and others giggled. I must've surprised a little boy as all he could
utter was, "WOW". His little sister was equally dumbstruck; her eyes
went big, her mouth fell open, and she quickly retreated a few steps.
Not having spoken to anyone in weeks, I feared losing my voice. With
the iPod blaring in my ears, I sang along at the top of my lungs. I
sped off over the hills bellowing the lyrics of "Cocaine" and "I Shot
the Sheriff". I got a few more strange looks but threw in a "Ni-hao"
and a wave and continued belting out songs' lyrics from yesteryear.
And to think, all while entirely sober.