Observations on a Chinese Beach

The following observations are based on many hours watching and noting the patterns of a Chinese beach (of the non resort type). Please be advised that these are only my observations, and will lack any sociological weight. This I hope will provide the context for what I promise will be more specific observations still to come.

One of the most common sights on a Chinese beach, clearly are the Chinese tourists. I'm not sure what they packed in their bags prior to their arrival at this destination, but I am sure, that there was no beach wear in those suitcases. The newly arrived Chinese tourist can be identified by his or her boldly colored (think:orange, yellow, green, blue), hawaiian printed button down shirts and matching shorts. The truly well groomed citizen also had the matching hat. Conspicuously absent, were the beach footwear; most people had their city shoes on- not a flip flop in sight. On more than one occasion, we saw what could only be described as a flock of them dressed in the identical shirts and shorts. This led us to theorize that they might have been selling them on the bus.

Despite not having bathing suits, all were eager to at least put their feet into the water. Those who had purchased or brought suits, often had elaborate muscle workouts before they hit the water. Some rotated their shoulders, while others skipped to the water ( we decided that the skipping fit well to the chorus of "Oklahoma"). When in the water, half of the people swam earnestly for long periods of time, while others hung on to the line of buoys until the tour guide came to remind them of their boarding time.

When not cavorting to the water, we often saw them being buried in the sand by their friends. Lest you think that these were children making sand castles, I think that the average age was about 30 plus. Some of the more cheeky young fellows even aggrandized their physical dimensions.

One does not go to this kind of beach to find peace. Each restaurant on the board walk played music. I think that they purchased their music from the same place. The Eagles, John Denver (ewww), Carpenters (geeez) and Britney Spears (aaaarg) were commonplace. Other establishments, blared Russian music. Alternatively, there were also opportunities for Chinese karaoke. The muslim pearl vending ladies walked the beach and stopped at chairs to convince you that you should buy from them. The soccer and volleyball playing crowds made their own shouts and cries heard over the din. Behind us in the restaurants, the patrons noisily sucked their snails and the sound of spitting permeated all of the above. Of course in the far back ground, the waves tried to compete.

What was clear from the exuberant playing and chatting and eating, is that all were enjoying their time at the beach, in what I can only imagine is an environment that is very different from their home town.