Tai O Fishing Village - Lantau Island, Hong Kong

It’s $30 for a cab, and I regret nothing. Those winding mountain roads on a swaying bus...no thanks. 

Got out of the cab to see slightly haggard people stepping of the bus, and I regret nothing. Take the ferry back, skip the deep line for the bus, regret even less.

These old-school fishing boats,

this harbor.

These bridges that connect the canals,

these houses built on stilts.

Boats weave in and out and through the village, but I'm glad we decided to skip the tour.

This village was made for walking, though I try not to photograph private homes too much. 

This person, though, chose to display Snow White and the Seven Dwarves, and they deserve a picture.

Snacking at Tai O Bakery - they sell this fluffy, eggy Tai O Donut. Dusted with white sugar, it’s greasy, airy, and sulfury sweet, and it's everything I ever wanted from a donut.

We also snacked on some Fish Balls - I'm told they're a special of Tai O. 

AVOID. Avoidavoidavoid! I don't expect much since they're spheres of mystery sea-meat, but these make McDonald’s filet-o-fish seem like gourmet. With the texture a bit vulcanized, these gray blobs are full of the dishwater they boil in. The curry does not improve the minimal, dingy flavor, but this curry would not improve any flavor.

I wouldn't come here for the food, though the dried seafood makes a memorable gift to relatives. Just know that you'll never forget it either as your suitcase will never smell the same. That said, Tai O is still an idyllic destination, and I would consider renting a guesthouse room next time for a couple days of tranquility.

Tian Tan Buddha - Lantau Island, Hong Kong

It’s beautiful, and the stair climb is worth every step. My gluts don’t agree but I’ll live. 

The sheer size of it is incomprehensible - just look at the size of this person for scale.  

The surrounding statues of the six Devas are no less breathtaking. Pause to appreciate the flawless metalwork as you circle the main event.

I wish the fog had lifted a little bit more - my photos don't do justice.

Lantau Island is not so close to the central city, but you can't go to Hong Kong and not visit this monastery. It's one of the more exquisite places I've seen, and few things are as grand as this giant Buddha. Take the cable car and see the Buddha. It's an experience and it's worth it.

Po Lin Monastery Kitchen - Lantau Island, Hong Kong

A beautiful monastery, a feeling of peace sinks in the moment you cross the threshold. 

The main hall contains three stunning bronze statues, no photography allowed. I don't photograph a lot of buddhas anyway - seeing with my eyes is enough.

The kitchen makes a set lunch of vegetarian fare, which I suspect is also vegan, and there’s a regular vs deluxe for two with a negligible difference in price.

The food is simple here, standard seasonings, mostly salt. No presentation, just the ingredients on a dish, just like you’d make at home. The dining area is full of tables in close proximity. 

The dishes come out in rapid succession. There is no order in there, nor does there need to be. 

A viscous soup is a starter, made with wood ear and tofu skin. Add your own spice - the chili sauce turns it into hot and sour soup.

Spring Rolls stuffed with...cabbage. Just fresh cabbage. Chili sauce saves the day.

My favorite is the Fried Bean Curd in a lemon sauce. The sweetness is a welcome contrast to all the salt. 

A colorful stir fry of mushrooms is peppered with sugar snaps and occasional asparagus and cashews. This food is fuel for the Buddha climb. 

If you haven’t had enough cabbage, they make whole sheets of it, all of it fresh and refreshing. This dish has a little savor thanks to the occasional shiitake.

After sleeping off last night’s meat-heavy food coma, vegetarian is a welcome fare. The food reflects the Buddhist simplicity, minimalism on a plate. No frills, look elsewhere for creativity or complexity; this is not a meal that will change your life. But this food WILL fuel you for the stairs up to the giant Buddha statue without feeling nauseous and gross, and all this fiber will bring you inner peace. 

Lantau Island, Hong Kong - Day 2

This day starts with my appreciation of public transportation. The Hong Kong subway is efficient and immaculate, and it’s the little things that hold all the wow. Electronic ticket booths are fully interactive, and you simply tap your destination to buy a ticket. We weren't there long enough to get an Octopus card, but the tap and go system is genius. Even convenience stores and many restaurants accept them as payment. 

The “no eating or drinking” signs cut down on the mess, but it’s a long wait to eat the bakery breads we bought for breakfast. 

Fresh from Arome, a prevalent chain, one is Uji Matcha and the other a Hokkaido milk cheeseburger. The green tea has a mildly bitter and very matcha finish, and purple potato makes a creamy filling. The cheeseburger is unexpectedly cheesy, a fluffy, airy bun with what resembles a white kraft single in the middle.