another day, another hike from the Hiker's Guide to Hong Kong. happy to say that this did not turn into a tour of the dead but a pilgrimage to the Ten Thousand Buddhas Monastery. there was a moment of concern along the way, but let's get some deets first.
located in 'the new territories', the monastery is in a place called Sha Tin, essentially on the way to mainland China. it takes about 45 minutes to get there from HK Island, a total of 4 different MTR's (subways) and all for the bargain price of $13HKD (about $1.50 CAD)....public transit is ridiculously cheap in these parts. take another 431 steps up and that's where you'll find the temple containing 10,000+ small golden buddahs.
on the way up though, you'll find some larger buddahs lining the pathway as well as one real-life monk. without the ability to strike up a boisterous conversation in English with the fellow, i simply smiled and intended to make my way up the steps. he was attempting to tell me something, i didn't get it...so he started to tap a little clay dish, which upon further review had some HKD bills in it. my initial reaction was that this was an entry fee into the monastery....fair enough i thought, however i was fairly certain it was free to get in. ah well, slapped down a twenty and figured that was it....not quite. he then reaches into his pocket and presents me with a neato beaded bracelet...which isn't my thing really, but whateves. the monk then proceeds to bestow me with what i imagine is a Buddhist blessing, including a little tap on the forehead. cool....all done, let's do this thing....
not so fast. he then starts his tapping routine again, looking for a little extra cash. not to be rude, but i'm not really down with jewelery, and although appreciative of the blessing, not quite sure i'm going to get my money's worth with that one. i shake my head and tap my pockets (even though he's already seen i'm flush), and so i start to forfeit my beads back to the monk....
perhaps he felt my inner good, or perhaps he knew i was a tightwad; either way, he decided to let me keep the 'gift' and likely cursed me out as i walked away.
i decided to re-enact the events for you (which wasn't much of an ordeal, but who wants to read about a straight up monastery hike, right?)
By the way, it loops because i didnt want to have to cut the track, so feel free to cut after the first time round. also, there are subtitles, so get rid of that damn ad at the bottom if you like.
the full album, just in case you're interested.
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