Hong Kong is one of the places where adapting pays off. With little knowledge of the language, weather and location of
landmarks, I had my work cut out for me. I knew one thing for sure- I was going to go see the
largest sitting Buddha (Tian Tan Buddha) in the world. The day was humid making it warm enough for a light jacket but the rain played peek a boo all day making things cool down fast.
After catching the ferry to Hong Kong Island, I
walked through the prominent IFC mall. Shopping is a very popular activity in China. I take the escalator to the rail system located on the mall's lower level. I broad the train, fingers crossed I got on the right one.
The scribbled drawing from Joey was doing its job so far. The first 15 minutes I stared at the travel
tracker toward the ceiling of the cab.
Once I could confirm I was on the correct route I sat in a seat.
The train ran fast! Barely able to make out the
scenery flying by, all I see is shades of green and brown. I get dropped off on the neighboring Lantau
Island to the west of HK. I exit another shopping center, and get in line for the Ngong Ping Tung Chung Cable Car
Terminal. You can choose to sit in a glass bottom car, for double the price, or a regular one. Guess which one I choose?
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| Ngong Ping Tung Chung Cable Car above Tung Chung Bay |
The ride was beautiful as you go towards the mountains. Tung Chung Bay is below you. The Ngong Ping trail catches my attention
as the steps wind up the hill and towards the park. It takes three hours by foot
and the recommended approach is downhill, after your visit.
Fog clouds around the cable car leaving me and six passengers staring into whiteness. As we come out I spot the first sighting of the
sitting Buddha. Perched on the peak of a mountain it gazes down with its right
palm lifted like a wave of welcoming.
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| Tian Tan Buddha |
Soon enough I am standing underneath the bronze statue that
sits on a lotus. Climbing the stairs is somewhat a struggle with the rain. I
make it up and mediate under Big Buddha. 34 meters tall and weighing 250
metric tons, it can be seen from the neighboring province Macau on a
clear day.
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| 287 steps to his majesty |
Po Lin Monastery down below the "Big Buddha" is the major center of
Buddhism in Hong Kong. Started by three monks over 100 years ago it was known as
"The Big Hut." The property had a ghost town feel. My favorite part was the arrangement of flowers
and plants, giving it an enchanted garden ambiance.
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| Po Lin Monastery, connecting man to nature |
The monastery and the Buddha are Lantau Island's
main attractions. I fell fond of two lesser-known ones.
The first was called
the Wisdom Path, a short trail displays 38 wooden steles (upright monuments)
containing verses from the Heart Sutra. The steles sit in an infinity sign
formation.
Buddhism seems to keep appearing in my life so naturally I
feel a connection to the prayers growing stronger. I find myself peacefully existing in the world
around me.
Next, I venture towards the Ngong Ping Fun Walk. The name
does not disappoint. Around the first bend I am standing a few feet from a Lantau
Buffalo. My next steps were slow and steady, I was scared of the horns on its
head. It just watched me pass as it
munched on the grass.
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| Lantau Buffalo |
Shortly after that close encounter I came upon a tree tree
garden.
I will never forget the paths I
went down. Not knowing where it would lead me to, I trusted I would find my way in the middle of nowhere.
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