Big Buddha!

I decided to escape from the busyness of Hong Kong Island on Saturday and head over to one of the outlying islands: Lantau, where I planned to visit the Po Lin Monastery and the Big Buddha (officially known as Tian Tan Buddha). The ferry journey takes about 40 minutes and you get fantastic views as you sail west from the harbour and past Kowloon. This was followed by a 50 minute bus journey along winding mountain roads up to the monastery. The scenery on Lantau couldn’t be more different to central HK - with beaches, mountains and green parkland. The monastery is very grand – and, like Man Mo, was busy due to the New Year celebrations. The Big Buddha was pretty impressive – consecrated in 1993 it’s 34m high and 250 tonnes (about the same as jumbo jet!) – and worth the 268 steps to the top to see it close up and enjoy the views.



Before I left the UK, quite a few folk were extremely frustrated that I didn't appear to be excited about coming to the Far East! One friend hit the nail exactly on the head when she could see from my eyes (she's known me for a long time!) that I didn't think the trip was real! Like many things it's only when you actually experience the real thing that you can get excited and begin to enjoy it... and that's exactly where I'm at with Hong Kong. I’m extremely fortunate to have the opportunity to be out here for so long – and loving the experience!