Bird Garden

It seems that even when I'm outside of the US I can't help but find odd ball and quirky things as I travel. Hong Kong was no exception. I was happy with the oversized statues and funky benches that I walked past my first day in the city, but that was topped by the trip I made to check out the bird garden. It probably isn't what you are thinking....this was a small strip of greenspace, with a paved sidewalk through it where people could take their birds (in cages) out for some fresh air. They would walk them in, carrying one to two cages covered in clothes, find a convenient branch or hook, hang the cage up and take off the cloth. Get your birds some fresh air! In the meantime you can sit and chat with your friends while your birds (sort of) enjoy the great outdoors. Reminded me a bit of the woman I used to cross paths with in Savannah, Georgia who would load her large birdcage in a wagon and take her pets for a walk.

Po Lin Monastery and the Tian Tan Buddha

Over the Thanksgiving weekend I had four days to explore Hong Kong. My favorite day was the one that I spend on Lantau Island. After a metro ride (metro! Hurrah for public transportation) I climbed on a cable car to take the trip over the hills...from the window the water and greenery led up and up until off to one side a giant Buddha sat nestled into the side of hill. This 112 foot tall bronze statue is a major attraction and point of religious journey for many Buddhists. The 268 steps up the hillside gave me a chance to contemplate the peacefulness that surrounds the statue, despite the large number of people surrounding me. As I took a stroll around the base of the statue my attention was split between the beautiful views and the smaller bodhvistas, who put off their entry to nirvana to guide others' path and symbolize that journey with gifts that represent the characteristics of charity, morality, patience, zeal, mediation and wisdom.

 

However, the giant Buddha was not the only source of peace in the area. The Po Lin monastery itself was also awe inspiring. The brightly painted outside, showcased the intricate carvings that decorated nearly every surface. The interior focused one's attention on the Buddha again. In addition, a short walk away, was the Wisdom Path...a short figure eight trail that passed by giant (half a tree trunk) poles engraved with Chinese characters. I might not know what they said, but the peaceful setting and impact of the stroll, left me feeling refreshed and at peace. Definitely a good way to embrace being out of Delhi.