When in Rome....

Today marks my last day in Hong Kong. As each day goes by, I feel like I experienced one of the most interesting things in my life. As of today, yesterday happened to be a day full of interesting things. According to the Guinness Book of World Records, I saw the biggest of the biggest. Not only the biggest Buddha, but the longest escalator and the world’s largest light and sound show in the world.
Even a day later, I am not sure what I saw exactly. An incredible part of this program is freedom. We have been traveling the entire city of Hong Kong on our own trying to find some of the most bizarre and “Un American” wonders of the world. Though some are not suitable or at least reportable to the whole world, I plan to share them all at some point…maybe not. Between the message parlors, fraternizing with the Chinese and worshiping idols, we have been keeping a tight tourist schedule.
Here is the true down low. The past few mornings we have been studying Chinese hard core. I guess it is about time I figure out what I am eating and stop ending up in the women’s room while in search for a toilet. My past week in Hong Kong has been quite an adventure, however yesterday was the icing on the cake. Aaron, Tyler and I set out on an adventure that turned out to be a journey of wisdom, laughter, spiritually, pirates and a few surprises. After about an hour train ride past Disney Land, we hopped on what we thought was a reputable bus company. Well, let me just say that we pay for such adventures in America…..It is called Six Flags and the ride is El Toro. The bus ride was the best roller coaster ride of my life. Hair pin turns, 80 kilometers an hour, shear drops, stone walls less than an inch away from the window, and huge mountains…just an incredible 45 minute tour out of the city. No Buildings. No people. Just tropics…..clouds….sun…..and rolling hills. We eventually got to the big Buddha after two pairs of underwear, but what adventure isn’t complete without extra pairs. After an unbelievable Zen walk in the middle of nowhere was this golden egg. The Tian Tan Buddha. completed in 1993, was located at Ngong Ping, Lantau Island and sat 110 feet tall weighing 280 tons. After 268 steps, heart failure, and a blister I was one happy camper… I mean who wouldn’t be…I got to gaze at a $68 million hunk of metal, or was it the view that cost that much. Either way, I will have Tedd start working on building me one in the backyard. I did always want one.
Shortly after yet another 20 minute trip on the roller coaster, we found ourselves in an incredible fishing village. As always we got talking to this elder who had a fantastic story that had something to do with Pirates, politicians and funny houses leading to the ancient history behind one of China’s ancient villages. PS....They call it the Rome of Hong Kong. ???? Whether he was a voice of truth or not, it was an incredible story and gave us some great laughs.
Fast forwarding, our evening begun with the world’s largest enclosed escalator. Who wouldn’t want to ride a $38 million, 25 minute ride, escalator consisting of 20 escalators and 3 moving pavements for a total of 800 metres and climb of 135 vertical metres. I have never seen anything like it, but when in Hong Kong do as the Hong Kong people do. Even better, was the world’s largest light and sound show on the Hong Kong Island’s waterfront. Look it up. It was an adventure.
So much to say, so many pictures to post, but not enough time. We catch the first plane to mainland tomorrow. Dr. Jay is getting us ready for the culture shock. One thing I do know is Blogs and face book are blocked…we are working to try to “fix” the issue but we will see. All I can say is that my time here has been incredible and I am enjoying every day!
Thanks for reading and hope to have more….some day!

_Larry