Haikou, Hainan
Once in Haikou I had to do the dreaded visa extension and paid for
two nights' accommodation at the Banana Hostel. First thing the
following morning, I hunted down the Public Security Bureau (PSB). I
couldn't believe I'd been in China for an entire month. Locating the
office was easy, but the counter was closed and I was told to return
after 14h30. I further required a note/letter of sorts from the hostel.
After obtaining the necessary items, I returned to the PSB. The
process consisted of a fair amount of "form-filling-in". Once
photographed and fingerprinted, I was told to collect the visa in four
days. Fortunately, Haikou had loads of interest and thus enough to
keep me occupied.
I stayed in Haikou and did little apart from meandering the city's old
part revealing many antique shops. The amble also gave me ample
time to play with the macro lens.
Four days passed and, eventually, it was time to pick up the visa.
Returning, I followed my nose down crooked alleys and curving
streets. The smell of fresh dumplings and barbecues hung in the air
as old men played board games in parks while cigarettes dangled
from their lips.