Big Budha, Tai O, Red Door

The last day in HK was spent traveling by train, gondola, bus, ferry and subway to see Lantau Island and its sights. David and Lisa met J&J at the train and then all headed to the gondola ride up to the largest outdoor Budha in the world.

The Gondola ride took an entire half hour from start to finish over a lake and moutains from Tung Chung to the Budha. Also at the base of the Budha we found the Po Ling Monestary, where you could make a million dollars on all the incense being burned. There where 260 steps to the top of the Budha for a wonderful panaramic view. If you were in tip top shape you could have followed the path from bottom to top up and down for a couple of miles. Maybe a return trip. :)

Before heading out from the Budha we sat for a quick chinese fast food stop including noodles and soup. Way different from McDonalds and a whole lot better for you.

Then the gang jumped aboard a bus for a Disney like ride down the moutain to Tai O fishing village. Here we found what you would have seen in a movie where the homes are on stilts and poverty is something of an understatement. Not a place to stop for a bite, but a lot of great pictures, smells and something you just need to experience to appreciate life.

After some scratching our heads on getting change for the bus ride to Mui Wo on the other side of the island, we took another bus ride that made the first seem like the kiddy ride at Disney. David noticed a sign along the way that said watch for cows crossing. Around the next corner there were cows crossing the road. Good thing the bus had good breaks. When we go to the Ferry pier we were amazed by the thousands of bikes parked. It must be everyone riding too the ferry to head into HK for work? Something to see.

The ferry ride took us through the maze of boats (ships) that traverse or park in the harbor. Everything from a big freighter to the battle ships to the crane barges used to unload the cargo ships.

We then wondered past more construction and took a quick break at the Conrad. From there a quick taxi ride to the restaurant where we planned to meet up with Katy and Gary. Too our surprise 3/4 of the way to the restaurant, Lisa spotted Gary (among thousands)walking on the sidewalk. We jumped out of taxi and continued walking with Gary only to arrive at the restaurant at the same time Katy was getting out of her taxi. Small world even in a big city. We had dinner in our own private room which was awesome and then we topped it off with a chocolate desert stop. Hard to believe but we then headed to a very busy party area of HK for a night cap. All departed for another successful day and preparation for the trip to Phuket the next morning.

Picture of the group out on the town was in order (Katy, Gary, Jeff, Janie, Dave, Lisa - Katy took the pic).