The day trip to the Big Buddha was, overall, a bit of a bust, but also a bit of a bonanza. The day was foggy and cold, the lines were long and winding, and the trip back was “blah”. But it was different, and if I didn’t go, I wouldn’t have gottan an awesome mementos!
The long cable car up, took about 15 minutes (?) to truly get to the top. It was pretty foggy, so this was the last time I was able to see anything aside from fog. Also, very drafty, not so pleasant when it’s about 8 Celsius…
The Big Buddha in all its misty glory:
This flame was particularly vexing to get a decent picture of… what’s the trick???
We took the cable car up, but the coach bus down. Coach buses in Hong Kong have such narrow seats! Smaller people I guess. Not a pleasant ride at all, especially with all the twists and turns down the mountain. For someone like me, already prone to motion sickness… Blech.
Once we were on terra firma again, and exploring the mall at Tung Chung station, I started feeling better. Saw a great opportunity to put my birthday tripod to good use in these fountains, with a slow shutter:
The tourist aspect might have been “blah”, but I had some great swag by the end of the trip. My favourite knick knacks from this leg of the trip:
Chopsticks. Two pairs of yellow sandalwood chopsticks, and a pair of snakewood travel chopsticks. Gimmicky, yes. Overpriced, very much so yes. Do I like them and use them? Undoubtedly and indubitably.
Vitasoy soy milk bottle. They come heated, and boy was it delicious! Since we don’t have those bottles in North America, I figured it’d make a great memento! “Studio shot” courtesy of 8.5″x11″ white paper from my printer.
March 11, 2009 at 23:39
Great shot with the white paper! I should do that with my food….