Monday, June 22, 2015

Last Day in Hong Kong

Today was our last day in Hong Kong. Isaiah slept in until 11 a.m. He has not been in bed before midnight for a few consecutive days. We try to get back in earlier, it just never happens. Rainy today, but we just went to get something to eat, did a little shopping, went to another movie and ate again. Oh, we packed up everything today, too. We are never really excited to come home. 


One advantage of traveling to Asia is that it sure is easy to find us in the photos.



Snack time!




We have some photos from last week of this same street where we do some of our shopping. 
Glad we weren't here when this fire destroyed some of the stands.
 They were tearing down and rebuilding today.




We went to the movies again today. We did not eat anything. Go figure.





Supper, and yes we all three ate tonight. 
I'm missing a couple of pictures of food, but here is some of it.



Hopefully, we will have not delays due to Tropical Storm Kujira for our return travel.
The ONLY plus side of traveling back to the USA is that we are doing it together.

Sunday, June 21, 2015

Photos from 2012 PoLin Monastery and Tian Tan Buddha

I went ahead and found the photos for you from our 2012 trip of the Po Lin Monastery and Tian Tan Buddha since yesterday's weather was not good for photography. 


Top of Tian Tan Buddha



View from top.




On the way down--cable car.




Isaiah and Dax at PoLin Monastery in 2012



Inside.




Ceiling.




Outside. 





Last one.












Rain does not affect our fun level.

Most of today's photos were taken from inside and through glass. We will give rainy season credit for that. 

Just a couple of photos from our hotel.




We know you are disappointed that this is not another elevator photo.
We mixed it up a bit and waited until we were on the MTR.




Waiting for our train.














Waiting to eat.




Our favorite Star Ferry to Hong Kong Central. Isaiah likes to make sure he sees all the jellyfish.




The engine room of the Star Ferry. Stinky and hot.




Now you see them, now you don't. Altoid teeth on the First Ferry to Lantau Island.




This is the first site when getting off the ferry at Mui Wo Pier.




I love it when we master all forms of public transportation. Slick as a whistle. 
Walk to MTR Mong Kok East Station.
 Take light blue line to Hung Hom Station.
 Transfer across to the East Tsim Sha Tsui.
 Get off at Hong Kong Central Station. 
Catch Star Ferry from Central to Mui Wo. 
Take Lantao Bus 2 (our favorite) to Ngong Ping Village.
 Walk to PoLin Monastery/Tian Tan Buddha. 




I haven't seen very many schools so I will google this one later to learn about it. 




More poor quality photos from bus ride.




Just trying out the slow motion feature on my phone through the bus window. 



Tian Tan Buddha. 
We were here 3 years ago when it was 100 degrees and nearly equal humidity.
Better photos are on the blog from 2012.
Today is was raining and cool and we were NOT complaining. Lovely temperature!




Isaiah and a calf, just walking along.




Dogs enjoying the break from the rain for a few minutes.




I love how she is crossing her legs for us. Nice pose, doggie.




Three monks visiting from Jiangsu Province (China mainland)
 founded the PoLin Monastery in 1906. 
The main temple houses three bronze statues of the Buddha 
representing his past, present and future lives. 
It also houses many Buddhist scriptures. 








Isaiah does not have a tummy like this, he was arching his back. 
Also, note his poncho. We all wore our ponchos. 
I'm glad I still overpack. 






Dax ate some of this. I tried a bite. It was pretty good.



During some heavy (and I mean heavy) rains, we took shelter under a stand that sold food. 
Dax did magic tricks with American coins for these two precious children.
I love that everyone understands smiles and laughter.
What fun! 
By the time we left, they called him--their "Master"




Dax preparing to eat this, wrapped in lotus leaf.




Unwrapping!





The big reveal.




Isaiah was like, "Dad, don't do it."




Isaiah's face says, "Ahh, man, he did it."
I tried it. It was okay.
 Sticky rice, kind of tasted like ginger. 
Had a small chicken wing in it and some minced pork. 




Messing around out of the rain.




Bus ride back down--all photos through dirty windows.




On First Ferry returning to Hong Kong Central from Mui Wo, Lantau.




 Remember that London Eye "wanna be" we spotted a couple of nights ago?
We rode it. 
The next few photos are from the "Hong Kong Observation Wheel"
which is basically just a ferris wheel. 







I think we will rename it.
BLUE MAN RIDE







And we are down and off the ride.








On Star Ferry from Hong Kong Central back to Kowloon.
Current Crew Member




Future Crew Member




 We had pasta and pizza for supper. YAY!





We decided to take a taxi back from the Ferry Terminal to the hotel.
After standing in this line for 30 minutes and only spotting a few taxis, 
we decided to walk to the MTR station and get back that way.
SO MUCH FASTER (and more dry).



Again, if you would like to view much better photos 
from the Po Lin Monastery and the Tian Tan Buddha,
 please feel free to look at old blog posts from 2012 when we were here last. 
We really do have some beautiful photos. Enjoy!