Xiamen seemed to be a convenient port between Shanghai and Hong Kong – not a destination to be sought out;-(. The city and people did their best to put out the red carpet and provide a royal welcome.  They did – and it was the best of Xiamen.

While Xiamen is a dynamic port city dating back over a thousand years, the real gem is nearby Quanzhou – an ancient city that UNESCO has recognized for its importance on the maritime silk road.  Asia’s largest port until the mid-1300’s (through several dynasties), it was visited by the famed Marco Polo and medieval Moroccan explorer Ibn Battuta.  As a result there is a fabulous Maritime Museum located here.

Upon leaving the serenity of the museum, one can be thrust into that mental image of China – people and scooters EVERYWHERE – –

Quanshou has also been deemed a World Museum of Religions by UNESCO partially due to the Kaiyuan Temple, the province’s largest Buddhist temple.  Because it is the largest temple in the area, the locals flock to it and it was soooo crowded one could barely walk through let alone get any pictures.  So – exterior shots only.

The museum was definitely the best of this day – although the sites and sounds of the ‘expected’ China were also experienced.  Approximately one third of the people in China live in public housing.  They are told what apartment they can have and probably have at least four to six people living in about 400 square feet.  Tell me which you want –

Suddenly – the temperature changed significantly and got VERY humid with about 80+ degree heat and strong breeze.  Walking the deck track became unbearable so three miles in the ship halls it was – and you saw the funniest things – –

Having left Xiamen behind – a new, much more vibrant Hong Kong awaited.  This city is a captivating blend of towering skyscrapers and surrounding natural beauty!  It is comprised of Hong Kong Island, Kowloon Peninsula, the New Territories and over 200 outlying islands.  Its strategic location on the South China Sea makes it one of the busiest ports in the world – and it is HUGE!!!!

Our welcome here was also exciting but much different than the pageantry in Xiamen – –

A former British colony, which by 2047 is to be completely under China control, Hong Kong is well on its way today.  After many layers of Chinese government checks (including random selections of passengers (all of whom were women including E) NOT disembarking in Hong Kong for a ‘face to face’ examination) passengers of our cruise ship were allowed to leave the ship entering into one of the largest shopping malls you will ever see!!  It was a much different scene than the Temple Street Night Market where you could find anything you wanted to eat, wear or use in the apartment – –

A wonderful day trip just outside of Hong Kong is to Lantau Island.  A quick drive across stunning bridges takes one to natural beauty and serenity not imagined in the bustle of the city.  There is even a wonderful viewing spot on Tsing Yi Island to gather views in all directions.

One more stop before Po Lin Monastery and The Big Buddha – the little fishing village of Tai O.  The residents here live on Junks, boats and stilt houses.  This is a walk back to a much simpler time and place.  But, you can find anything you need here – including a Land Rover and a Ferrari;-)!!!!

On to remote Po Lin Monastery, founded by three monks in 1906.  It was quite quiet and serene until 1993 when the largest outdoor statue of Buddha in Asia was erected here.  Tian Tan Buddha (Big Buddha) is 112′ tall and is constructed from 202 bronze pieces.  The right hand is raised representing the removal of affliction while the left rests open on his lap in a gesture of generosity.  It is surrounded by six smaller bronze images offering flowers incense, lamp ointment, fruit and music to the Buddha.  One needs to climb a mere 268 steps to reach the Buddha – meditating all the way.

A very fun way to see the Big Buddha is to ride the Ngong Ping 360 cable car (either round trip or one way).  This provides a wonderful view of the Buddha and the remote, mountainous area surrounding it.  One of the most fun things done on this trip so far (even though the lunch was all vegetarian!!).

A wonderful, fun day and the end of the stay in Hong Kong.  A fond farewell to this intriguing city – –

And – goodbye to China, its cameras everywhere, drones peeking in our windows, submarines following the ship, constant taking of ones picture and comparing to the passport, etc, etc, etc.

E & G – Thankful to live in America, even with its ups and downs.