big buddha, lantao island

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Our first full day started with a classic visit, one which Scott and me had been to before but new to Jerry: The big Buddha!
Jerry treated us to the cable car ride, which was a novelty for us. The views were commanding over the island, lush green steep slopes, lantau peak and even a waterfall!
The Big Buddha is right next to Po Lin monastery, which houses 10,000 Buddha. The detailing of the carvings and the vibrant colours stop me everytime.
This being a Buddhist monastery, the food is vegetarian, and the choice is wide! I tried various buns, black sesame paste is a winner, hands down.
The monastery is also home to feral cattle and buffalo, who are a great hit with the tourists.
The statue of the Buddha is at the top of over 200 steps, which in over 30 degrees temperature somewhat slows you down...but the views at the top are breathtaking and offer 360 degrees panorama over towering Lantao peak, thousands of islets in the sea to the south.

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