After getting Luci's visa application filed away - she should get it on Tuesday, we were off to Lantau to see the Tian Tian Buddha. This giant, "ancient" (completed way back in 1993 - 26 years ago!) statue was reached via cable car over forested mountains (not really sure when a hill becomes a mountain but they seemed pretty big). Thanks to Rob, we had some background about pirate activities in the 1800's that took place in the area we could see from the cable car. Watch it here: bit.ly/2Pb7kfg
After 25 minutes in the air, we arrived at Ngong Ping. I was expected a plethora of souvenir hawkers and being hassled to buy some cheap trinkets; instead, it was a very restrained commercial area with shops and restaurants (what I think of when I think of Buddha) and no hassles at all. We walked the ten minutes to the shrine past some feral cows and not many tourists. I wonder if the protests have seriously impacted tourism or was it just the rainy weather. We bought a ticket to enter the museum - which came with an ice cream and bottled water - I guess Buddha would frown upon an admission charge to see his relics but charging for a snack with a free view of the relics would be ok. There was a long staircase up to the base of the statue and it showed how horribly out of shape I am.... I guess exercise is in my future.....
Photos weren't allowed in the museum but inside were two crystals that were about the size of grains of rice. These crystals were part of what was left after Buddha died, was cremated, and went to Nirvana. (At least I'm pretty sure that's the story). The "free" ice cream was half of a frozen mango - delicious!
Today's our last day in Hong Kong. It's supposed to rain 5+ inches..... I guess we're getting wet!
Thanks for reading!!
Thanks for reading!!