Big Buddah - 1/4/08

Today we set off on what ended up as an all day venture. We have been wanting to see the Big Buddah on Lantau Island, which is the biggest island in the Hong Kong group of islands. We knew it was kinda far away so we wanted to get an early start and left the hotel about 10am (we're on vacation!). The trip entailed walking several blocks from our Hotel on Nathan Road to the Kowloon ferry, a short ferry ride to HK Island, then another ferry ride - about 45 min - to Lantau Island. Once on Lantau, a bus ride - about another 45 min - up the mountain to Asia World, over 300 Monasteries and the Big Buddah. There weren't any really clear directions to all of this, we simply knew it was on Lantau Island. So we had to figure it out step by step which almost became a problem when we got to the bus and found out we needed exact change only for the fare of 16 HKD. We only had 100 bills. So, Chrissy, thinking in Amazing Race style, ran quickly over to the 7-11 and bought a candy bar returning to line with the change and just enough time to board the bus for the last 2 seats!!! We had to get on that bus!


Anyway, after another very windy drive across the island and up the mountain we finally arrived at the Buddah. There is just something about seeing a statue that size that is awe inspiring. I can't imagine what a true Buddist feels at the sight. Whenever I see another cool Buddah I think of my nephew Quinn who would be absolutely loving this. I took lots of pictures for ya though!

This Big Buddah is a 250 ton bronze statue, about 34 meters tall (112 ft) sitting down. Of course he is at the top of a hill and long flight of stairs so is even more impressive. It was a beautiful day and we spent some extra time walking around the grounds and taking pictures. We never did quite figure out what Asia World was, an park-like exposition I think, because we didn't wander that way. We also didn't partake of the vegetarian dinners served at the monasteries as we had just eaten, too bad for us. And finally, we decided not to go on the cable cars over the mountain as they had just been back up and running for 2 days after having one of them fall off a few months ago. We didn't want to be Chinese crash test dummies, plus the lines were really long. Maybe next time???

From Lantua we headed back to Hong Kong to explore the street markets and antique shops there following a walking tour we had found. Then jumped on the 2 story tram that runs from one end of town to the other for about 25 cents and got a better look at the city. For dinner, we jumped off the tram somewhere around the trendy Wan Chai district for Indian food - delicious! They even had Bollywood music videos to watch as you ate. Too funny! We've decided that one of the things we love about Hong Kong is how International it is while still retaining it's Chinese heritage.


By the way, if you ever fly into Hong Kong airport, look up towards the mountain (south). They say you can see the Big Buddah on the mountain top. We didn't fly into this airport, but when we left we looked for him, only it was too hazy with smog to see that far. Next time.