Part 13: Lantau Island...
Finally, I managed an early start for my search of the giant Buddha statue.
There were several points of interest to see on the island and a long day beckoned so I took the hour long metro to Tung Chung on Lantau island which was linked via an under sea tunnel from Hong Kong island.
It was a bit of a welcome breather from the relentlessness of the city as it can become relentless. Here it was green, lush, much less populated and airy, with 60% of its territory designated as wild Countryside park.
After asking some locals for directions, they advised me to take the approx 60 minute bus ride up the steep and winding roads into the mountains, but they did warn me it was a bit of a white knuckle ride. But before my anxiety had a chance to kick in, I was queuing for the bus.
Luckily for me it arrived pretty quickly.
I didn't even have a moment to get comfortable before the long bus sped off. The tight road hugged the coastline at first, and the driver had no regard for the speed limit or safety - those locals were not kidding me!!!
It was not long till the small developing town center was in the distance, and upwards we went. The road was fast, bumpy and unnerving, but what scenery, it was beautiful, twisting one way and then the other, winding sharply upwards, we passed a huge lake surrounded by a chain of mountains from east to west, so high you could not see the peaks through the clouds.
Our driver accelerated round the corners of some sheer drop roads.
I cannot lie, this was seriously scary stuff and I kept trying to take my mind off his driving. Im sure he must of sensed my apprehension and revelled in my fear, quickly realising perhaps it was a mistake to sit near him as I was the only foreigner on the bus, plus the sushi I had for breakfast was swirling around in my stomach, making me quite queasy.
I could not help looking at my watch to check how long was left of the journey which was as spectacular as it was frightening.
About half way into the bus ride as we were were driving down a mountain side between one of the lakes to climb up another, the giant Buddha came in view high in the clouds to my right.
It was an amazing sight and made my hairs on my neck stand on end but we still had a fair way to go. The road to get up there looked really steep and high up from where I was - thankfully, for the last part of the journey maybe he must have took pity on me because he slowed down which was just as well or another few minutes driving like that and he'd be mopping up my sick. Then to my relief we arrived.
Almost instantly looking around, the crazy journey was well worth it. There in front of me at the main entrance were beautiful Chinese gardens, and a series of giant bronze Samurai like statues know as 'The Divine General guards'.
Six at each side of the entrance standing proud, guarding the gate.
It was like something out of Jason and the Argonauts. Moving further forward I reached a circular platform decorated in flags like an alter, and in front was a series of steep steps, 268 to be precise.
As I looked up the steps, the giant Buddha was sitting proudly in all its wonder through the misty clouds at the top.
I have used many words describing some of the beautiful sights I have witnessed on my travels, but this was truly extraordinary.
I felt spiritually enlightened and overcome by the sheer size.
Sitting 34 metres high and facing China to the north this majestic bronze Buddha, known here as the Tian Tan draws pilgrims from all over the world.
The features and right hand, which is raised delivering blessings to all, combine to bring a humbling depth of character and dignity to the massive Buddha, so big it took 12 years to build and weighed over 200 tones.
After admiring the view I climbed the steep steps to take a closer look at this remarkable statue.
There were people taking pictures, some stopped to prey. When I reached the top it was jaw dropping and looked so beautiful, so peaceful.
There were 3 statues either side of the Buddha all offering symbolic gifts, posing with arms out stretched and kneeling. I later learned that these statues are known as 'The Offering of the Six Devas' giving flowers, incense, lamp, ointment, fruit, and music to the Buddha which symbolise charity, morality, patience, zeal, meditation, and wisdom.
I took my time taking it all in enjoying the sweeping mountain and sea views that can be seen from its base through the clouds.
Opposite the statue was the Po Lin Monastery (meaning precious lotus) surrounded in greenery, and Ngong Ping village, whilst all around where misty green mountains and trees.
There was an elderly man to my left kneeling down and silently praying looking upwards facing the Buddha statue, it was fascinating to learn about how other people practice their religions. You could feel his emotion and it rubbed off on me. I had never witnessed something as serene as this in my entire life.
Sometimes you just have to take a few quiet moments to yourself and savor every last second because this trip today was special, and would be something I will always remember.
I stopped 2 young scandinavian backpackers just to talk with them about how beautiful it was, they agreed.
And I asked them if they could take a picture of me with Buddha in the background - they were more than happy to do so.
After spending a few hours taking pictures, wandering the area and relaxing at the base of the Buddha, it was time for me to head down.
Now there was no way I wanted to get the bus back so I opted for a different, but equally exciting option.
A 30 minute, glass bottomed cable car ride seemed a good idea. Although rather expensive, but I had to experience this. There was quite a line developing and even though the wait was more than an hour it was a great way to end my Buddha trip.
The tiny cable cars could fit 8 people and the journey down was both exhilarating and very wobbly, but I was to busy enjoying the ride to be worried, later finding out some of the horror stories about the very cable cars I was in.
Being stranded hanging for hours in windy weather, one car even falling.
The glimmering South China sea was to my left and the birds eye view of the jungle beneath me, through the glass bottom cable car was amazing.
As it made its way down on the 5.6 kilometer journey back to Tung Chung, it offered yet more spectacular views of the dense trees and thick green peaks.
Watching the Buddha statue fade into the clouds as we descended was enchanting, making me feel quite sad.
A Chinese chap was bizarrely crouched down behind me, taking pics of my leg tattoo instead of the scenery, I wasn't paying much notice to him at first but for whatever reason he saw fit my leg offered more to him than the views.
When the cable car neared the bottom on the 30 minute journey, which was now surrounded by the sea, it veered off sharply to the right bringing into view the Tung Chung center and behind it, yet more mountains.
The Asian man continued to take pictures of me and mumbled in Chinese to himself - luckily a girl translated.
Apparently he was quite taken in by my tattoo's, especially the portrait of my dad and wanted to know who it was.
He was harmless enough if not a little distracting.
As the cable car docked back in Tung Chung, we alighted and I walked back to the station for the second part of my trip.
My next destination would be Tai O, also known as The Venice of the Orient. The largest settlement on Lantau Island.
by now it was mid afternoon so the quickest way there would be by taxi.
It was a 20 minute journey heading south west and I got to see even more of the island on route. When I arrived the peaceful fishing village was gorgeous, quaint, picturesque, very traditional and old fashioned. Crisscrossing canals ran the length and breadth of the small fishing harbour with homes made of corrugated iron built on stilts over the water all along the waterfront whilst in the back ground mountains framed the village beautifully. I walked to the small market centre where tiny seafood stalls served up the catch of the day; all the people here seemed really friendly.
Old Chinese men playing dominos on tables and very few tourists where scattered in the narrow streets - this felt very much like mainland China to me.
I carried on walking across a rope footbridge wanting to explore further, passing boat houses with open kitchens. Licking my lips I came across an elderly Lady cooking fresh donuts in hot oil. She very generously handed me one, and it tasted delicious, sweet, buttery and light; I thanked her and carried on walking leaving the village behind.
I then went on search for a temple one of my friends had recommended.
Sadly I could not seem to find it but the walk was wonderful nevertheless.
Watching the simple daily life here and old folks making a living the traditional way was humbling, really wishing to myself there was more time to explore. Whatever happened there was no way I was going to leave with out trying some local catch, so I decided to head back to the market square and found a place with a family eating outside. One guy handed me a neatly hand written menu in Chinese, and invited me in - just the smell alone was glorious, I could not resist.
Obviously not being able to read Chinese, I politely asked them to serve me the freshest thing on the menu. They smiled and told me they would be with me soon as they finished supper.

Hoping they did not bring me a bucket of fish heads, but I was not disappointed - they put down a huge tray full of the most delicious fresh fried squid I had ever tasted on my table with rice and dips.
And if that was not enough I had fresh scallops grilled in the shells with garlic.
It was exquisite and the family seemed to enjoy me lapping up every last morsel
I shared some Chinese tea with them and some pleasant conversation.
By now it was late and dark and it was time for me to head home back to Hong Kong island.
I absolutely loved my experience today. It was wonderful and another I would not forget for a long long time.
Next stop....Macau China.