I've Been on a Long Mysterious Trip...

I've been away traveling the world for a long time, at various undisclosed locations. When its all done, I'll post some photos, but not for a bit longer. I thought I would share this one photo as a hint for one of the places I've been. More to come....

Rick's Roadshow: Florence, Italy

I've only recently returned from Florence, Italy- known to the Italians as Firenze. The capital of Tuscany, Florence is an important historical Renaissance city, with incredible architecture right from the Middle Ages that will blow your mind. A center of Medieval life in Europe, today Florence remains a major tourist attraction. Take this replica of Michelangelo's
famous statue of David. Even the replica outside the museum draws the fascination of millions each year.
From the moment I arrived, I fell in love with Florence. It is a destination that truly lives up to-and in my opinion exceeds one's expectations. Italians are generally friendly to tourists and make you feel welcome. It is so nice to be in a country where locals appreciate your presence. I should mention that there are zillions of tourists in Florence. Too many really, but nevertheless it exudes beauty and charm on every corner.

For those of you who are art-history buffs, there is no better place to visit. Statue galore, museums, and eye-popping paintings will leave even the casual admirer in awe.

Florence has a natural beauty to it. The city's muted earth tones are easy on the eyes and visually stimulating. Punctuated by the River Arno, you only need to close your eyes to imagine what life during in the Renaissance was like for this fair city.
And now, a little picture show for you:

an artist was painting the scene, I like this photo!

 

have you ever seen such beauty?

Cute little sidewalk restaurants abound...

vineyards on a hillside...sigh.

taking a moment to soak it all in. Ah Florence, such beauty!

Rick's Roadshow: Hong Kong's Po Lin Monastery & Temple

Whenever I travel through Asia, I always try to visit a Buddhist temple if possible. The Po Lin Temple and Monastery on Hong Kong's Lantau island was an easy decision, as it is adjacent to the Big Buddha I visited (see yesterday's post). While I am not a Buddhist officially, I firmly subscribe to the teachings of Buddha, and also follow the teachings of HH The Dalai Lama. So visiting Buddhist temples has a special meaning to me, more than just as a tourist, but an opportunity to pray too. I hope you enjoy viewing these photos, it is truly a beautiful and inspirational place.

entrance gates leading to the monastery

beautiful lotus flower plants in the temple courtyard

I stopped to buy some incense to use while in the temples

lighting the incense...

then you bring it to the various parts of the temple to pray, then leave the incense

you can see others doing the same. Pray, bow, leave incense sticks

a close up to the entrance of the temple steps

check out the wonderful dragon columns....

various Buddha statues for various causes...

I think this is a generic Buddha for family

all the lanterns and decorations hanging from the ceiling are beautiful

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Well that's all for now, I'm afraid. My work travels keep me fully occupied so I shall close here. Tomorrow I'll post a few various photos from across Asia and wrap up Rick's Roadshow from Asia. Thanks for stopping by!

Rick's Roadshow: Hong Kong: Visit to the Giant Buddha

Rick's Roadshow today is from exciting Hong Kong. This former British colony of course transitioned to Chinese rule back in 1999, yet still retains its distinct British influence. That may well be why I like it here so well- it has the obvious Asian element but also with Western undertones and British sub-culture. This isn't my first trip to HK, this is actually my third visit. I feel strangely at home here, and enjoy the familiar sites to acclimatize myself when I return. In this photo above, I'm wearing an authentic Chinese suit and shirt, made by my tailor here in Hong Kong (who does excellent work, incidentally). I had it made for a business dinner I had recently with someone rather important and wanted to honor the Chinese culture by dressing locally.

Long time readers of this blog may recall that I am a student of world religions. I have been studying Buddhism for many years and enjoy visiting Buddhist temples and such. Hong Kong has the largest outdoor seated Buddha in the world, so naturally I had to go visit the Tian Tan Buddha. From my hotel, I had to take a train a tram and then hike the rest of the way. I signed up for what the locals call "Crystal Cabin" tram, which is a glass-bottom tram car. These photos are intended to show the journey to the Buddha at Po Lin Monastery.

we passed over the sea coastline...

...and mountain peaks....

...it was a long journey by tram

check out the glass bottom floor. The ocean is below!

At long last, the Giant Buddha comes into view!

As we drew closer excitement was building.

once at the monastery, visitors could present incense offerings

the area is surrounded by beautiful trees and nature

The Tian Tan Buddha statue- so breathtaking

I paused for a photo at the base of the steps leading to the Buddha

partway up the stairs I encountered this incense urn

High up the steps, I was winded but thrilled to be seeing the Buddha

An inspirational close-up shot of Buddha

a series of smaller Buddhas surround the giant Buddha

 
















Half way back down the steps I had this photo taken of me in front the Buddha. I was so pleased to have made this trip! I bought a few trinkets and such from the monastery, and enjoyed the vegetarian lunch they offer there. It was so peaceful and enjoyable to be there. Whether or not you are interested in Buddhism, this is well worth seeing should you visit Hong Kong!

Once back down from the Buddha, I found a nice spot to sit and write a few postcards. Sitting under the view of the Buddha was trans-formative and a special moment. I took a moment to pray for my blessings of this trip. Tomorrow I will return with photos of the Po Lin Temple and monastery, along with a few other fun photos. Rick's Roadshow from Hong Kong continues...