Changjiang – Jialai - 116 km
Time was spent packing up before pointing the bicycle toward Haikou, again
meeting other cyclists and a journalist who took photos and asked a few questions.
The scenery was particularly lush and green. I assumed it was a tree-planting
project, as trees were everywhere, and I thought it was too organised to be
natural. However, the authorities beautified the road with dense and colourful
plants, making the ride even more pleasant. Not thinking one would find
accommodation along the route, it was a surprise to stumble upon a small village
sporting 50-yuan rooms.
By then, as was the norm, I popped across the road to get a takeaway meal, as
eating under such intense scrutiny remained uncomfortable. While waiting for the
noodles, bystanders didn't take their eyes off me for a second. Being stared at like
that wasn't very comfortable. They didn't even blink while inspecting my feet and
hair and were shocked by my bare arms, which, to their horror, had clearly been
exposed to the sun.
Jialai – Haikou - 108 km
Due to the perfect weather – overcast but not cold – I set off in high spirit. The
way ran past many scenic hamlets where I stopped to buy lunch but carried the
food to Haikou (due to the staring), where the Banana Hostel was again my abode
of choice.