Buddhalish....

In the shadow of Big Buddha, originally uploaded by koréboy.

Went and checked out the Big Buddha, officially known as the Tian Tan Buddha, on Lantau Island. Big Buddha, the world's tallest Buddha found outside, weighing in at 242 tons and almost 112 feet high, sits atop the Ngong Ping plateau, chillin' in the lotus position next to the Po Lin Monastery.

The cable car ride was amazing and the view was breathtaking. I was struck by the beauty of the ceremonies taking place around me, though I must say the sheer number of people lighting incense to bring in good luck for the new year and having their fortunes told was overwhelming. As one of our lecturers explained to us, "The Chinese aren't very religious but are very superstitious!" I'm finally beginning to understand what she meant.