This 'N That of Asia

It sure is good to be back home in Palm Springs. Don't get me wrong, I absolutely *love* to travel. But its always so nice to sleep in your own bed. I thought I'd share a few random photos I'd been hanging onto from my Asian travels that didn't make it into one of the daily blog posts. These are photos I found interesting for one reason or another but just didn't fit into the themes I was posting. Well anyway, here goes. Top left is from Beijing, China. I had dinner one evening at a sushi joint in this area. I just liked the sign "Lucky Street', I sometimes feel as though that is the street I live on (or so it seems).

This is called a Bodhi Wishing tree. I encountered this on Lantau Island in Hong Kong. People flock to these wishing trees to write down a wish, ask for it while standing under the tree, and then hang it on the tree. It is a charming notion, and I am not ashamed to say I followed the custom and made my own wish while there that day.

While in Hong Kong, I returned to Kowloon to check out the famous "Ladies Market", where for may many blocks, you can shop the outdoor market for a variety of wares. If you like to bargain shop and haggle/negotiate this is a great place to shop. Never pay full price. Always negotiate. Most merchants will go down as low as 50% of the original price they quote-but rarely less than that. There is everything from souvenirs, clothing trinkets, to statues, silks, leather goods and bracelets galore. It is often very crowded, and since it is open to midnight, it is an excellent option to maximize the day. My advice is to eat dinner before going there. There aren't great restaurants in the immediate vicinity, and those that are there have a long wait. It is worth checking out; just remember, it is cash only in most stalls.

photo from my hotel window in Hong King, looking out to the hillside

For some reason I love this photo. I snapped it at a popular restaurant called Din Tai Fung, known for its amazing dumplings. The dumpling chefs make zillions of dumplings all day long, and it is fascinating to watch them go at it.

Overall, I had a great trip in Asia. It turned out to be highly productive from a business standpoint, and personally I enjoyed the time I spent with my Asian business colleagues. But as mentioned, it was so nice to return home again. My two poodles Duncan and Sheldon were delighted to see me. Owen too! (you can see his butt behind Sheldon). Little things like being able to go to sleep with the pets curled up next to me always seems extra nice after being away from them for a few weeks. And so, this Asian journey is complete for now. For those of you who enjoy travel, stay tuned, Rick's Roadshow will return in a few weeks from a far away land...

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

.













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...

Rick's Roadshow: Taipei, Taiwan

Rick's Roadshow continues from beautiful Taipei, in the Republic of China, more commonly known as Taiwan. My business colleagues have extended warm hospitality to me once again, for which I am grateful. We have squeezed in some sight-seeing around the work portions of my visit. Here I am seated on the base of a huge Chinese lion. The weather has been very nice- my short-sleeve Natural Balance shirt was ideal for the pleasant temperatures that day.

I was delighted when my colleagues brought me to the National Palace Museum, which houses an outstanding collection of Asian art, including bronze, textiles, writings, and religious art. I found it to be among some of the finest museums I have visited in my world travels, and highly recommend it to any student of world history. Of course, you cannot take photos from inside the museum, so take my word for it. Here are a range of photos from in and around Taipei. As I mentioned yesterday my time is limited so I apologize in advance for not posting my commentary with each photo, so please enjoy the photo show.

Taiwan founder Sun Yat Sen

Yang Min National Park

view from high up Yang Min Mountain

more flowers in bloom!

fields of calla lilies in bloom on Yang Min Mountain

'Top' restaurant on Yang Min Mountain

an ideal setting for dinner

great mood lighting overlooking Taipei

elegant private dining rooms, nestled in the mountainside

fresh sliced fruit- looks delicious doesn't it?

I love Buddhist Temples

the temple roof details are magnificent

I had some time to pray at the Temple too!

look closely, its a huge dragon spouting water

Night Market in Taipei- they serve snake there! blech