Po Lin Buddha
Classes this week were relatively uneventful. . .most of my business classes require huge group projects which will make up a large portion of our final grade. I have gotten together with my group members in some of my classes to discuss ideas for projects, but we haven't really gotten in the swing of things yet. In two weeks the group in my China Marketing class has a presentation comparing McDonalds and KFC in China. Also, my Puthonghua class is so much fun! Well, it can be lots of work at times but I haven't had experience with the language so it's really new and enjoyable right now. Right before finals I will probably have a different opinion of my classes, but as of now they're flowing smoothly.
Yesterday (Saturday) another huge group of international students went on a trip to the Big Buddha located on Lantau Island. The trip was organized by the International Office. First, we took a bus to Tai Po Island, otherwise known as Oriental Venice. . . . . Here is a picture of some of the houses there.
There was also a market we wandered through with many kinds of fresh and dried fish. After lunch, we piled back into the buses for a short ride up to the Buddha. The day was very smoggy and the sun was brightly shining behind the Buddha, creating a less than ideal picture taking atmosphere.. . . .but who cares. We walked up the reported 268 steps ( so says my travel book) to get a closer look.
From down below . . . .
A closer look. . . .
The Po Lin Monastery was reportedly around the area, but strangely enough we didn't see any monks kind enough to come out of hiding so that the hundreds of tourists could take pictures. There are over 300 Buddhist monasteries on the Island, but most of them are tiny temples tucked away in remote areas.
The way back down from the Buddha was an experience in itself! We sat in cable cars with 10 people each and enjoyed the magnificent (and SCARY!) views on the way back down the mountain. It felt like being on a ski lift times ten. It didn't help that my friend from Ireland was talking about whether or not we'd survive the impact if we fell out of the cable car to the water. What a ride!
Now it's Sunday and time to . . . .study study study!