HK Day 2: Tian Tan Budha, Ngong Ping 360 (Jan'08)

We hop on MRT heading to TUNG CHUNG.

We *actually hubby only lar* decided to miss Disneyland *sob*as it has been criticized for being short on attractions and high on prices. I waved bye bye sadly to Disneyland as we passed by it. waaa.....

So instead a new attraction called Ngong Ping 36o will be explored.
2 ways to get there, by bus or cable car. Was contemplating using bus as the cable car had dropped to the vast ocean & mountain twice in the months after opening **me really scared le :(**. Decided to put our trust in God & took the cable car path to enlightenment since we saw so many people queuing up to get tickets, we won't die alone if anything happen.

Our little cable car was skimming through the air over the blue-green mountains of Lantau Island to Ngong Ping Village, HK's newest attraction. This 25 minutes ride provide 360 degree panoramic breathtaking views of North Lantau & the South China Sea & got a glimpse of the HK International Airport 2. That's why it's called Ngong Ping 360 la.

The cable car were eerily quiet as they carried us along. The only sound came from the wind whistling through numerous air vents placed all over the car... hahahah ... I wish I could say that about the ride but it was just my dream. Unfortunately there were this not so young couple that bicker non-stop, mostly in Cantonese but some in English, for my benefit I think.

Hubby manage to capture the old looking fishing boat:

aarrr... getting closer & closer to Buddha. There's walking path along the mountains towards the village. I really "pei fook" people that walk all the way there.The World's Tallest Outdoor Seated Bronze Buddha from a far. Let me present you "Ngong Ping Village", that's all, like seriously. 2 row of shops with careful re-creation of so-called "period Chinese village": Set in the magical courtyard, the majestic Bodhi Tree, looked small but actually veli BIG & TALL ne:

The so-called Village veli modern, got SetarBak Kopi le:
On our way to meet Buddha on foot. Old lady selling dessert by the roadside, I could not resist doin this: Even from a distance, the Buddha is massive. The tranquil form is perched atop the mountain beside the Po Lin Monastery, which is a good thing because, without it, the Ngong Ping Village would feel just a teeny bit fake.Following the foot steps of millions of tourists, who toil like ants up 268 stairs to be photographed beneath the elbow of the 34-metre statue & to drink in the misty views of the South China Sea.

So closed now, just a FEW more steps *don faint yet*R we there yet? R we there yet??? So tired la...the super light tripod now feels like super heavy lor.yes... almost... there...Tian Tan Buddha wait 4 me ok?
ahahha... wondering what's interesting about this photo??? hubby was lusting over this man.........'s camera lens that hubby was searching madly for. wah... so LONG & BIG, I want too. Secretly plotting to kidnapped him & grab the lens.

View form the Top of the stairs... I did it... 268 freaking stairs:

Look! Look! The yellow roof building is the Po Lin Monastery: The Buddha is surrounded by these beautiful ladies holding all sort of offering. Look... real coins on her tray, man ppl here are rich & like to throw money:I cannot touch Buddha, but manage to High 5 lar... I fren u: Colorful flags, for all the countries in the world I think:The Arch toward the Po Lin monastery: Stepping inside the monastery complex, incense and the hum of monks hung in the air. Instantly, the world of SetarBak Kopi and convenience of 7-11 was dispelled.
The view of serene giant Buddha from inside the temple:

I heart those lamps ... so pretty...Dragons on the ceiling:

Adding to the already bad air pollutions condition in HK: This 1st thing that came to mind was lotsa lotsa lotsa food when I, the porky, read this: Live Abundant Life Everyday.The trip back on the cable car was fine too, thank God. With not much time left, quickly made our way to the Citygate Outlets. Let the pleasure & treasure hunt begins!! That unfortunately left a BIG HOLE in my wallet!!!

H.A.P.P.Y was how I felt after eating the BEST Beef Noodle & Wanton at Food Republic... NO PHOTO sign was at the entrance to the eatery... but still ... ah ... s.a.t.i.s.f.i.e.d...