was just fog, but as the day wore on and the fog lifted, the smog did not.
The Sapphire Princess was docked next to us, and there were at least two
other cruise ships in Hong Kong today. Was also disappointed that we were
docked at the Kai Tak Cruise Terminal. It is new and large, but not near
anything except the container port. My last trip here I was fortunate to
have docked right downtown.
Decided to visit the island of Lantau. Took the four mile cable car journey
up to the top of the Ngong Ping Plateau, with views of the China Sea.
Sitting 280 steps up from here is the Tian Tan Buddha - "The Big Buddha" -
is the world's largest seated outdoor bronze Buddha. In Asia, if one adds
enough adjectives, everyone can claim some kind or form of unique Buddha.
The picture of the warrior is one of the Twelve Devine Generals. General
Anila represents 1-3 PM of the day and sheep of the Chinese twelve zodiac.
Visited the Po Lin Monastery. The last time I was here the doors to the
Grand Hall of Ten Thousand Buddhas were closed just as I reached the top of
the stairs since several hundred Monks were beginning services/prayers. Did
not get to see the monks today, but did get to see the inside of the halls
and temples.
As I was heading back to take the tram down the mountain, I came across a
stall selling nutcrackers "for good luck" - not sure what that was all
about.
We had an early all aboard time, however, because of some visa issues with
the new passengers boarding today, we left 2.75 hours late. Some of the
passengers had only obtained single entry visas, and multiple entry visas
were required. Luckily, since they had visas, they were able to obtain
multiple entry visas with the officials - I am sure this was a very
expensive mistake for these guests (and Holland America, since they will
have to increase their speed to make up for the lost time).
Finally left port and we got to take in the bright lights of this enormous
city across the bay.
