Saturday, June 26, 2010

A trip to the clouds!

So Saturday morning started fairly early. We all rolled out of bed and decided to attempt to go to the beach. One of our fellow students had it all mapped out and a large group set out on the journey. We had to make about three transfers on the metro and then hopped on a metro/rail line that took us to our stop way out by the airport. This took about an hour and a half. Once we arrived and walked out of the station, we realized that we were right by the gondolas that you take to go see the huge Buddha, Ngong Ping. I suggest if you dont know what it is that you look it up because it is really cool, but it is really long and hard to explain the history and why they built the Buddha. we decided that instead of going to the beach right away that we would go see Ngong Ping. We all waited in line and then a small group decided to pay a little extra and ride in the "Crystal Cabin" gondola. Basically, this gondola had a glass bottom floor. It was well worth the extra $5 USD because 1) it was amazing and 2) we didnt have to wait in the long lines. So once we made in into our cabin, it was incredible. It was kinda scary at first but then there was an adorable little baby with us who kept jumping up and down. I realized that if she wasnt afraid then neither was I. However, in my defense it was really crazy. We rode over the ocean and then up the side of the mountain. When we got to the top we were surrounded by clouds and it got really windy and the temperature dropped. Once we finally emerged out of the clouds we looked down and saw a trail of steps leading up the mountain and also trails, one where a lady was weed-whacking (on the side of the mountain). Then we noticed waterfalls and streams and also what looked like religious shrines built into the side of the mountain. Finally, we made it to a small city that sits on the top of the mountain. Apparently, it was a small village before they built the Buddha but it has become very commercialized and is a part of the whole experience. With shops and restaurants and also history about the Buddha and the monastery that sits at the foot of the Buddha. It was beautiful. There was a huge tree that was a "wishing tree" and was where Siddhartha reached enlightenment and the cobblestone streets had flowers hanging overhead (both the tree and the flowers were fake but still very cool). This all lead up to the trail that led to the Buddha. We continued to walk among the amazing scenery and religious structures until we reached a huge set of steps leading up to the Buddha. We all meandered up the steps and took many pictures until we reached the top. Once we reached the Buddha, it was incredible. It is so huge and beautiful and the clouds were just passing right around Buddha's head and it felt so spiritual and peaceful. The Big Buddha was surrounded by many other Buddha's that seemed to be making offerings to him. We could look out and see the ocean and the sun shining below us. It was truly an unforgettable experience. We took many pictures and looked all around. You could see the top of the monastery from Buddha but unfortunately we didnt see any monks. After we left the Buddha in peace, we headed back to the village and I bought a Buddha that represents safety and luck. I love it! It looks over my bed now! (I am still trying to decide if I wanna keep it our give it to you, Mom!) After that, the crystal cabin crew hopped in the gondola and headed down the mountain, where we sat on the glass floor and discussed what it would be like if the glass suddenly wasnt there! It was pretty funny. From there, the small group that I was with decided to head to the beach that was on our original agenda. We found the bus we were supposed to take and met a very nice family that helped us and told the bus driver where we wanted to go. After the beautiful ride through the mountains we arrived at our stop and saw a cow just sitting next to the road. Haha. Then we headed down to the beach and sat up shop! Unfortunately, there was not a lot of swimming because there was a lot of trash in the water :( I did get in though briefly and Chris explored all around the beach and the little village where we were while the rest of us gossiped and discussed life as we sat in the sand. It was really fun. We saw a ton of happy dogs running on the beach and swimming in the water. The whole time we were trying to catch up with the rest of our bigger group, yet had no luck. Finally we decided we were hungry and we went to eat at an African and Mediterranean restaurant right on the water. We sat at a table in the sand and had just ordered when the rest of our group showed up. We had wonderful garlic bread and I had fish and chips. Everyone ate and had a great time talking and hanging out and then the group slowly started to get smaller and smaller and finally I found myself with Chris, Kyle and Josh (some good friends we have made on the trip). We sat on the beach and had a few beers and listened to Kenny Chesney on Kyle's iPhone. We talked about how amazing the setting was a how lucky we all are in this world. We ordered some more garlic bread and then sat there until we were basically kicked out (at which point I was the only sober one). We lost Chris' shoe in the sand and Kyle stripped down out of his bathing suit back into his shorts and accidentally showed his bare tush to the restaurant ladies who were all laughing and shouting that "they had seen his white white bottom." It was pretty funny but I felt like I had three wild children to look after. They were hellacious. Then the bus didnt stop for us and we met some crazy ladies at the bus stop. One was pretty hysterical. We finally flagged down a cab to go to the metro station, all the while Kyle keeps talking about going to Disneyland Hong Kong (which was in the area). Amazingly we made it back eventually even though I had to yell and drop a few choice words to encourage them to keep it together enough to get home. In retrospect it is hilarious but it was crazy at the time! All in all a wonderful day and also very memorable!

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