“Hong Kong 🇭🇰 ~Peng Chau and Landau Islands”

• December 8, 2017
• By Pen
• 0 Comment

“Peng Chau Island and Kawloon”

After a full day of complete rest and relaxation, the big guy and I ventured back out, abs this time to go back to Peng Chau Island, by Ferry. We had been there with our friends, and a few of their friends, for a fun Thai meal. It was dark soon after, so we wanted to do some exploring during the day.  We had such a fun afternoon!  We found a post office to mail the grand-kiddos a postcard from Hong Kong, we got a bite to eat, (interesting menu) bought some fruit, and a slab of smoked bacon, found another Temple, walked through the “wet market,” and just roamed around the various streets of residential homes. Not too Christmas-y here, but I did see a poinsettia plant!

During the Qing Dynasty, Peng Chau already was a hub of development, and became the principal supply station for neighbouring islands and a prominent supply stopover spot for trading ships. At that time, Peng Chau had 11 lime-ash kiln factories. The employment offered to residents could either be directly as laborers in the ash kiln factory, or going to sea to collect the coral, shellfish gastropods, and so on for converting to lime in the furnaces for many many uses. Many island residents also were engaged in commercial trade and agriculture.
Now, it was back on the ferry to return to Discovery Bay, where we would catch the bus back to home base.

Click on the link below, to see all the photos of Peng Chau Island and Kawloon:

https://picsbypen.smugmug.com/Places/AsiaLife/Hong-Kong/Pen-Chau-Island/

“Landau Island, Ngong Ping Plateau and Tin Tan”

We headed out today on another bus. This bus took us to Landau Island. It was a very worth the trip, and the weather was sunny and warm. The cable car ride takes about 25 minutes, as it climbs higher and higher, to reach the Ngong Ping Plateau. The cable car that climbs from Tung Chung to tranquil Ngong Ping Village has a stunning views of the Lantau landscape. After traveling by aerial photo cable car for about three miles, we arrived at the village where we continued to climb upwards; by foot this time; (268 steps) to view the big Buddha called Tian Tan. Since the Buddha religion came to China by way of India, it was no surprise to see sacred cows roaming around the grounds.

History:
The remote Po Lin Monastery, hidden away by lush mountains, became a popular attraction when the extraordinary Tian Tan Buddha statue (informally known as the Big Buddha) was erected in 1993. Sitting 34 metres high and facing north to look over the Chinese people, this majestic bronze Buddha draws pilgrims from all over Asia.
The eyes, lips, incline of the head and right hand, which is raised to deliver a blessing to all; combine to bring a humbling depth of character and dignity to the massive Buddha. This Buddha is one of the largest in the world, and took 12 years to complete. We climbed the 268 steps for a closer look at this remarkable statue, and to enjoy the sweeping mountain and sea views that can be seen from its base.
Opposite the statue, the Po Lin Monastery is one of Hong Kong’s most important Buddhist sanctums and has been dubbed “the Buddhist World in the South.” Home to many a devout monk, this Monastery is rich with colorful manifestations of Buddhist iconography and its pleasant garden is alive with birdsong and flowery scents. The temple might look and feel ancient, but it’s actually a product of modern times. Built in the 1950s, the Grade III-listed heritage columbarium (housing cremated remains) was constructed by Yuet Kai; a Buddhist teacher and his followers. Inside the temple, a gold-leaf-covered figure in a lotus pond is said to be Yuet Kai’s remains. Surrounding him on all sides, the Temple walls are covered in thousands of small golden Buddha statues that mark each columbarium niche. Elsewhere in the square, there’s a nine-story Man Fat Sze Pagoda, a koi pond and several colorful pavilions, including one dedicated to the Goddess of Mercy. The hilltop address also provides a vegetarian restaurant and excellent views of the New Territories.
We ended our time with a delicious lunch of Dim Sum, then rode the cable car back down the mountain, and back to the city. Fun times!

Click on the link below, to see all the photos of Landau island:

https://picsbypen.smugmug.com/Places/AsiaLife/Hong-Kong/Landau-Island/