Hong Kong March 21-25

One of the great things about living in Asia and Jeff having to travel and Linda not working is that Linda gets to travel with Jeff sometimes (NOTE: for all Manulife employees viewing this, all travel conforms with global travel policy).  Recently we headed to big, busy, organized, clean, easy-to-get around, modern city of Hong Kong.  Here are some highlights:

Monday
Jeff - went to work
Linda - played

Here are some shots of the Man Mo Temple, Hong Kong's oldest (1830s) and most important Taoist temple.The temple is named after two gods - Man, the god of literature (all you english majors take note) and Mo, the god of war (not Springfield taverns). 

This picture is of the inside ceiling where you can buy an incense coil that will burn for up to 3 weeks and will bring about the fulfilment of your wishes.  With all of the altars, candles, incense, offerings of fruit, flower, and more, it was an experience that encompassed all of my senses.

I then  wandered the city, and took the ferry over to Kowloon. 

This is a shot across the harbour back to Hong Kong.  It was very cloudy the days we were there so I will hope for better pictures next time.

I love the contrast of the two boats in this picture.....the old and the new....THAT is what Hong Kong is

Tuesday........Jeff - went to work....Linda - played

Rode the ferry for 45 minutes to Lantau Island to visit the Giant Buddha and Po Lin Monastery.  These are shots of Hong Kong from the ferry.  After the ferry ride, there was a 40 minute bus trip over hills like Bolivia but with greenery.

The Giant Buddha is the world's largest outdoor seated bronze Buddha, and though it looks old, it was built in 1993.  Very impressive......

After a walk up the stairs, a look around, and a walk back down the 260 steps, I walked to the Po Lin ("precious lotus") Monastery.  Established more than 100 years ago, its main temple in the following pictures holds three buddhas representing the past, present and future.With the many gardens surrounding the temples, it was a very peaceful place to spend a few hours.

This shot was for Jeff, and all who have played guitar with him over the years!  After a delicious vegetarian meal at the monastary, eaten family style with people from all over the world,  I headed back to Hong Kong by gondala and ferry.  It was a wonderful day! 

Wednesday.....Jeff - went to work.....Linda....played, including riding the subways once again.  Hong Kong has a fantastic subway system that made it so easy to get around this immense city of many islands

This shot is from the top of Victoria Peak (392 m, 1286 ft), which is best reached by the tram built in 1888.  The rails go up a 45 degree angle and shortened the past 3-hour trip by cart to a 8-minute trip.  I spent a few hours exploring up there and enjoying the view.  After the tram ride down, I walked back to our hotel to explore more of this amazing, diverse city.

Wednesday night

Jeff - got to play!!!!!!

Linda - continued to play

At last Jeff was free to explore Hong Kong with Linda......

We hope you enjoy these evening shots as much as we enjoyed the night together.....

Thanks for listening to our travels....or we should say Linda's travels....oh, and yes, Jeff got lots of important work done!  Happy to Easter to all...we miss you all  very much, especially during this time of year.