Off to Big Buddha

One thing I wanted to show my visitors for sure was Big Buddha. Because we had some hazy days, our trip up the mountain was saved to nearly the end of their stay. It was worth the wait. Claire and Pam really loved it.

The trip starts with a 25 minute cable car ride up into the mountains. 

We took the "crystal cabin" which means that our cabin floor was clear so that you can see below as well as around you. Lantau Island where Big Buddha is located is covered with hiking trails. There is even one that rises under the cable car. It is quite a steep climb over three mountains and I am amazed at the number of people who are hiking it every time I go.

The first sight of Big Buddha rising on top of the mountain is always impressive.

On our walk toward the steps up to the temple, we found an interesting road sign.

At the base of the stairs there is a beautiful pavilion where the monks sometimes come to gather.

And then there is the climb.

Claire decided to watch this portion of the day's activities. It was a good choice. Once you are at the top you realize...

...it's a long way down.

You also realize that the views are worth the effort. Claire fell in love with one of the nearby mountains. She kept calling it her favorite. So we took some photos for her as well.

Another beautiful area is the Po Lin Monastery. It is set in a garden with cattle sometimes munching on the bushes (but not this day). 

There is a small area of shops and restaurants next to the grounds called Ngong Ping. They have some lovely shops and we all did a bit of early Christmas shopping.

Finally it was time to head back to Tung Chung and the MTR ride home. But first we had a great time riding the cable car one more time.

In Chinese tradition it is very auspicious to to be buried with your back to the land and your face to the sea. It is good fung shue. If one member of a family is buried in this manner, the good fung shue is passed on the the descendants. At the very top of one of the mountains we found someone with the most auspicious burial site we have seen.

And for the remainder of the ride as we progressed downward so did the sun.

It was a very good day.