Dream Trip 2009

Great Travel Moment

This 250 metric ton, 110 foot tall statue atop Muyushan Mountain in Lantau Island, Hong Kong, is one of the tallest outdoor sitting Buddha statues in the world. Set amidst the silent mountains and seemingly endless views of crystal blue waters, the Tian Tan Buddha induced in me a mystifying experience that inspired nothing short of reverence, as displayed so gracefully by the deities surrounding it. In order to convey their magnanimous point of view, I had to cross over the safety railing and steady myself as best I could. I remembered one of my travel guide's mentions about this place: the 268-step climb. Nevertheless, my camera's shutter came to life as I held on to mine. The sun's rays gently stroked this colossus revealing a serenity that, even with a steep drop beneath me, made me feel at peace.