Ngong Ping 360

1-October-2006 (National Day)

Years ago, we've heard of this cable car project that would transport people to the Po Lin Monastery directly. Personally, I think it's a great idea because the only road-way to see the Big Buddha is far too many turns and twists and bumps and time consuming. Without hearing many news during the construction period, then suddenly poeple were talking about the Ngong Ping 360 Skyrail was about to open to the public somewhere around Jun-2006. Unfortunately, due to many technical problems, the opening was delayed until end of Sep-2006.

*

Ngong Ping 360, it's a cute name. What does 360 mean? 360 degree?

I remember the last time we paid a visit to the Big Buddha was 6 0r 7 years ago. Finally, there we go again, by taking this brand new cable car transportation. I felt a bit excited about the trip, like we were going for a vacation in the overseas again.

Ticketing counters

This is the return ticket that cost HKD88 (adult), HKD45 (child).

Getting ready to go...

Ngong Ping Skyrail is a visually spectacular 5.7 km cable car journey, travelling between Tung Chung Town Centre and Ngong Ping on Lantau Island that would take 20-25 min per journey.

Guests will travel in comfortable 17-person cabins, enjoying panoramic views of the Hong Kong International Airport, South China Sea, the flora and fauna of North Lantau Country Park and the Tian Tan Buddha Statue.

Some physically very fit people choose to hike instead of taking the cable car...

and they can reach the top of this mountain. Cool..

Ngong Ping Village and Big Buddha from a distance.

Ngong Ping Village, which is adjacent to Ngong Ping Skyrail's Ngong Ping Terminal and the Tian Tan Buddha Statue, occupies a 1.5 hectare site on Lantau Island. Architecturally designed and landscaped to reflect the cultural and spiritual integrity of the Ngong Ping area.

the Village incorporates several major attractions, including Walking with Buddha, Monkey's Tale Theatre and the Ngong Ping Tea House, as well as a diverse array of dining, retail and entertainment experiences.

They kept talking about the stone that Vincent held in his hand. Totally ignored me or the camera

Kids can be very simple at times. For instance, playing with a small stone is good enough to make them happy for a long time. And my source of happiness is simple too...they happy, I happy

It's really amazed to see how they've turned this place in to. Before that, this place is a quiet and peaceful religious land. But now, it's definitely more commercialized

Acrobatics demonstration, one of the ever-changing array of street theatre and performances. This si-fu was standing on the razor-sharp blades. What he used is 'chi-kung'. Amazing.

KS's masterpiece (I )

KS's masterpiece (II)

KS's masterpiece (III)

KS's masterpiece (IV)

Vincent has proven himself a big boy now. He is no longer fear of movable cartoon-look characters, like he used to be. William, on the contrary, is still very anxious to see this 'animal'. He didn't even dare to look at 'him' at a closer distance, not to mention to take a photo with him. 3 years of age difference between them does matter here.

I wish you would hug me like this forever. Then I would be the happiest mom in this world.

Big Buddha as a backdrop.

Tian Tan Buddha Status, the world's largest, seated, outdoor bronze Big Buddha statue. Weighing over 250 tonnes, the Tian Tan Buddha Statue is 26 metres high and opened in 1993. Tian Tan Buddha Statue is the major centre for Buddhism in Hong Kong and is located next to the Po Lin Monastery.

Wanted to climb up the stairs to reach the podium there. But when I imagined William might want me to carry him at the middle of the way, I surrendered. Maybe next time.

When I was small, my mom used to teach us that when we go into people's house, we should greet that people; and when we go into a temple, we should greet the Gods. She is not a superstitious people. I guess she just want us to show some respect to whoever tenant stay in the premises. And I will teach my boys the same value too.

Like most of the people did, I made my wishes to these Gods too. I think they must be very busy to deal with all so-many wishes pouring in from all walks of life. So, though general, I've made mine as specific and precise as possible. Hope they get it clear and loud.

1. All of my family members and friends live happily and stay healthy

2. My kids will become a filial son to their parents, and my husband will remain loyalty to me

3. A steady financial growth. Of course, I don't mind a fast growth at all. And I definitely welcome a full strike in 'Mark 6'

4. World peace

The backyard of the temple. Quiet and peaceful.

I was busy shooting photos. Sunddenly I heard William's voice from behind : Ko-ko, pull me up. I turned my head, and saw this dreadful scene. Vincent, who has climbed up there, reached out his hand and gathered all his strenght to pull his little brother up...Spontaneously, we rushed over to stop them. It's dangerous if Vincent couldn't grab him tight. But I stopped when I was almost there, and stopped KS who was by then, near enough to catch William. Ok, I wanted to know if they would succeed or not?

Yes, they made it. I think I saw a victory grin on their face.

This remind me of a recent popular TV serial "Prison Break", broadcasted every Tue night at 10.30 pm. The big brother was set up and was about to put on the electric chair in a month time, for killing the Vice President's brother. The small brother, who believe he is innocent but run short of time for a legal appeal, plan to rescue him from the prisoner ward. He study the blueprint of the prison in every detail, get it tattoo on his whole body, and then get himself imprisoned by commiting a minor crime. There start his almost impossible rescue plan....

For better for worse, I hope you 2 would support and help each other along the journey of life. That's one of the reasons we want to have at least 2 children, for providing sibling companionship to each of them

We went home around 3pm, before the long queue started to form at the cable car station. And it's very comfortable on the way home, with just another couple inside the same cable car with us.