This is the final part of the Hong Kong trilogy! If you've missed any of the previous two parts, click on the pictures below.
 Part I: ICRA 2014 |  Part II: Ocean Park |  Part III: Big Buddha |
Today's post is about my day trip to Tian Tan Buddha, also known as Big Buddha. It's basically what it sounds like. A huge statue of Buddha!
Let's see how I got there first. My hotel was in Hong Kong island, so to get to Ngong Ping, where the statute is, I had to go to travel to a different island. Check out the map below for perspective.
 Causeway Bay - Central - Tung Chung |  There's a Disneyland in Hong Kong! |
Google Maps said I should take a bus from Tung Chung station to the statue. Good thing my friends had informed of a more exciting way!
More CABLE CARS!
These photos don't tell the entire story though. See, I got a "crystal cabin" cable car on the way up. That means the cabin's floor was transparent!
Did you notice the hiking trail? You can get to the statue on foot! That's on my wishlist for the next time I visit Hong Kong.
The Big Buddha statue finally came into sight. It looks HUGE.
After the cable car ride, I arrived at Ngong Ping. I think it is supposed to be a traditional village, but honestly, there was a Starbucks there ...
I crossed the village and headed straight for the Big Buddha statue.
On my way to the statue, I ran into this. I was 8,000 miles away from New York!
 Through Ngong Ping village. |  Almost there. See the statue? |
Made it!
View of the Ngong Ping area from the Big Buddha statue.
I spent quite some time up there and then I headed for the monastery.
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And that's pretty much it. I also wanted to check out the Wisdom Path (left picture below), but I was exhausted and also it started to rain again.
 Wisdom Path. The columns form the infinity symbol. |  Bodhi wishing shrine, back at Ngong Ping village. |
This concludes the Hong Kong saga! I have to admit, I did not expect to enjoy my trip there as much as I did. I highly recommend it!
I will now switch gears in my upcoming blog posts. More travel photos once Stephanie and I come back from Greece, where we'll spend a few days in Santorini. Thanks for reading and stay tuned!
~ Spyros
Stephanie and I will be in Santorini from July 26 to July 31.
