Hong Kong 3/28/24

 Hong Kong Day 2

So we are off once again to a full day to experience more of what Hong Kong has to offer... here we go

We started off our day going to the fishing village of Tai O, in search of pink dolphins.... while we didn't get to see them, we did learn that about 5 years ago there were 100 dolphins and now they are down to about 50.  They are actually Chinese white dolphins, but their color is pink.  It was a charming fishing village with lots of street vendors selling local food stuffs.  We got their version of a beignet, and it was a pretty good substitute.  It is a bit like stepping back in time.  Their houses are built on stilts and are interconnected, forming a very tight knit community.  Street art was also quite prevalent and adds to the charm of the village.

Some of the local artistry

The Sun Ki Bridge is famous as a "lover's" bridge, so of course we had to get a picture on the bridge.

We had a boat ride down the canals and out to the ocean to hunt for the pink dolphins. No sighting but very picturesque and a relaxing ride on the water.  As if we haven't had enough cruising already!

We had a chance to make some of the local foods - it was like a burrito stuffed with different delicacies.

Next up - on to Lantau Island, Tian Tan Buddha or better known as The Big Buddha - incredible.  300 steps up to the top - Mickey did it and got some incredible pictures and views from the top, but he forgot to have someone snap his picture!  It is an impressive sight to see, and it is visible from almost anywhere in Hong Kong.  He is 112 feet high and weighs 280 tons, sitting on a lotus throne.   He is one of the five largest Buddhas in China.  Lantau Island also hosts Disneyland, which we caught site of on our way to the Buddha.

Mickey walking the steps to the Great Buddha.  Pictures don't do it justice.

The offerings of the Six Devas are at the top of the buddha, and they are posed offering flowers, incense, lap, ointment, fruit, and music to the Buddha.  These offerings symbolize charity, morality, patience, zeal, meditation, and wisdom, all which are necessary to enter Nirvana.

Po Lin Monastery has a lotus pond, several prayer halls, a teahouse, a tea plantation, and orchid garden.  

The main temple houses three bronze statues of Buddha- representing his past, present, and future.

These are some of the Twelve Divine Generals who protect Buddha.  All twelve line the pathway to the Big Buddha and the temple.

All in all, an incredible two days in Hong Kong...I think we hit in excess of 15,000 steps each day.  This is one tired girl.  Check out my Hong Kong at night blog, it was pretty incredible.