Hong Kong

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Hong Kong is amazing!!! ????

Stifling heat, towering buildings and a very odd variety of smells!!!!??

After a delayed flight we were all exhausted but still had the energy to find an authentic Chinese restaurant called Cheers! Then do some shopping at temple street market!!!?

When we arrived at the hotel Abby refused to go in the lift so we took the escalator instead!!

Two days later, she is the first one in the lift and the last one out!!

Transport so far;

Taxi to Heathrow courtesy of Steve Gidley- fantastic!

Metro from airport to bus terminal, bus to hotel, Star Ferry to Hong Kong Island, taxi back to hotel, ferry to Lantau Isand, scary bus to Ngong Ping, cable car back down mountain, taxi!

Monday- managed to wake up before 1pm today so trip to Landau Island to see Big Buddha.

Having survived the scary bus ride up the mountain we were unexpectedly surprised by the serene beauty of this place. Here, the stifling heat of the city was totally surpassed by the gentle cooling of the mountain breeze. Our efforts to climb the steps to gaze upon the Buddha himself were completely rewarded by the stunning views of unspoilt green mountains in every direction. Reaching the bottom of the steps, the scent of incense completely enveloped us, drawing us towards the Great Hall of the monastery itself. Having paid our respects, we were suddenly compelled to withdraw to witness the powerful scenes of the Buddhist monks assembling in the square below the Great Hall, their incantations resounding in the heat, before they ascended the steps to continue their prayers. A humbling experience indeed.

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Photos

Buying tickets
Abby and Freya are now in charge (apart from the credit card?!!)

Health and safety!!
Stuart slightly worried about the lack of steel!!

Pose time!!
Stuart drinking blue girl beer trying to be cool like Abby!!!

Big Buddha
Stunningly beautiful

Buddhist monks
Completely humbling

Comments

[Jo]

Pics
Great pics already! Abby don't be a wuss ;-p xxx

[Gemma]

Trust you!
Typical dad - always on the look out for dodgy construction issues!!

[Gemma]

Looks fantastic!
Looks like you have all had a great start to your trip. The Buddha looks amazing - would love to see that. Looking forward to the next instalment which will probably be from NZ. Xxx ps glad to see Abby in her sandals! ;-)

[marcia]

travelling
You are soooooo lucky look what you have seen already and its only day 3

[Rebecca Francis]

I am with you in spirit!
Yeah! Loving this blog! What a great way for me to keep track of your travels & for me to re live all of mine!! Glad you are enjoying Hong Kong, look forward to seeing where next! xx

[Mary]

First instalment
Great to hear the first bit of news...boys were asking after you so can now show them some pics!

[Sue smiles]

Great reading!
Better than reading the Daily Mail!! Looking forward to next instalment!