statue – Page 2 – Snapping The Globe

The Bread House

Standing tall in the Grand Place of Brussels, there are two grandiose buildings facing each other that set the tone for the city’s majestic square.

Each is so intricate and beautiful, and I have captured both photographically many times. If you had asked me prior to my last trip, if I knew what each was, however, I would honestly have had to say absolutely not!

On one side, you have Brussels’ City Hall and on the other side is the Broodhuis (Bread House), a UNESCO World Heritage Site which houses the Brussels City Museum. I thought that my husband might have enjoyed visiting City Hall, however, after entering the courtyard and the ticket office, we were informed that the next English tour would not be until later that afternoon. Since we had other plans for later in the day, we decided that the tour would have to wait.

Moving onward, we headed over to Manneken Pis and then the museum that acts as his own personal closet, Garderobe Manneken Pis. As we purchased our admission, we were given the option to buy the combination ticket which also allowed access into the Broodhuis. Mulling over the decision, I learned something that I never knew. The Manneken Pis that every one goes to see (including us) is an IMPOSTER! The real Manneken Pis, for security reasons, is kept in the Broodhuis.

This cemented our decision…we were heading there next!

Once a wooden bread market building built in the 13th century, the Broodhuis was replaced by the Duke of Brabant during the 15th century. While City Hall symbolized the city’s independence, the new Broodhouis was designed to be a symbol of his power.

Also known as the Maison du Roi (King’s House), named for the Holy Roman Emperor Charles V, who once owned the Bread House, the building was destroyed in the 16th century and rebuilt in the 19th century in the Gothic Revival style that we see today.

As we made our way through the Broodhuis, we learned a great deal about Brussels’ history. There is much attention given to arts, crafts, archaeology and folklore. One complete room was devoted to casts made from the sculptures from the exterior of the building. It was interesting to be able to see what these sculptural entities, only seen from afar, look like up close. Other rooms, gave particular attention to artifacts, tapestries, models and paintings.

What I loved most about this museum, however, was that for all the beauty that can be spied from the outside, the architectural detail is carried on throughout the interior. Carved doorways, stair railings and vaulted ceilings grace the spaces and as I walked from floor to floor, I couldn’t help but gasp at the light illuminating the intricate stained glass windows.

As astounded as we were to inspect this historic space, however, we really had come to see one thing in particular.

Would the REAL Manneken Pis, please stand up?

Okay, he’s already standing…I just really wanted to use that phrase! But seriously, where was he? As we made our way throughout the museum, we kept expecting to turn each corner and find him. Well, you know how this sort of thing works…naturally, he would be placed in the furthest room on the highest floor!

Finally, we discovered him, alone in a glass case. It was almost anticlimactic as I’m so used to seeing his doppelganger set inside his shell-shaped alcove surrounded by hundreds of his adoring fans.

But, alas, we had found him (the REAL him) set inside one of Brussels’ most historic edifices! SO…with the price of a ticket, you have access to two of the city’s most important treasures!

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Brussels City Museum

http://www.brusselscitymuseum.brussels/en
Address: Musée de la Ville de Bruxelles, Grand-Place, 1000 Bruxelles
Hours: Tuesday-Sunday, 1000-1700. Closed on Mondays, January 1, May 1, November 1, November 11 and December 25
Admission: Adults ages 18+, 4€. Under age 18 and citizens of Brussels, free. Free with Brussels card and on the first Sunday of the month. You can purchase a combined ticket for both the Garderobe Manneken Pis and the BrusselsCity Museum, 8€.
Getting There: Bourse tram stop, #3 or #4, , Bus, #48 or #95, Metro, Central Station / Brouckère, Train, Central Station

Manneken Peace

Every woman loves a good outfit!

Why shouldn’t a statue?

Mannekin Pis, the statue which is a huge part of Brussels’ cultural heritage, is one of my favorite landmarks to take new visitors to the city to see. So when my husband joined me on a recent trip, the first place I took him was to see the little “Pissing Boy.”

I have visited this statue on many occasions, but this time, as luck would have it, was the first time I was able to see him in one of his costumes! This was such a coincidence as we were also on our way to the statue’s own special museum. The Garderobe Manneken Pis is located just down the street and houses the statue’s vast collection of costumes. It’s like his own personal closet!

Once housed in the Maison du Roi on the Grand Place, the wardrobe was moved to its current location in February 2017. It was surprising to find it to be such a small museum as I knew that his wardrobe consists of nearly 1,000 items.

The museum displays a selection of more than one hundred costumes, (some dating back to the 17th century) that are presented according to seven themes, geography, folklore, charity and citizens’ associations, trades, celebrities and characters, sports and designers. He is gifted with about fifteen or so new costumes each year and regularly wears the costumes from his collection, being dressed up about 130 times per year.

But where do his costumes come from?

In order to present Manneken Pis with a costume, a request must be made to the Mayor and the Aldermen of the City of Brussels. Certain stipulations must be met before the costume can be accepted, such as the quality of the fabric and that the costume is not being used to promote political purposes, political beliefs or advertising. If the proposal is accepted, the donors are responsible for the creation of the costume according to strict instructions. An official ceremony is then scheduled to be held in City Hall where the new costume is formally received. A procession to the fountain follows the ceremony, where the official dresser presents the new outfit to Manneken Pis and his is outfitted in his newest duds. He wears this new outfit for the rest of the day and it then officially becomes part of his wardrobe. From this time on, the donors can then make a request for Manneken Pis to be dressed in their costume for specific occasions, such as national days of celebrations, a meeting for members of an association or fellowship or to mark a sporting, cultural or charity event.

The costumes were stunning, whimsical, unique and classical. Many come from all over the world, though a great deal (not surprisingly) were donated from his home country of Beligium. My favorites included Mickey Mouse (1969), a traditional costume from Bolivia (2007) and a replica of the original costume given by King Louis XV of France in 1745, which is the oldest outfit in Manneken Pis’s wardrobe.

Some pieces have not withstood the test of time, so in order to view the entire collection, the museum offers an interactive terminal. My favorite thing, however, was the area for visitor’s to dress a replica of Manneken Pis, which, of course, I had to do!

Wouldn’t it be fun to be Manneken Pis’s dresser? I think that this must be a highly coveted job and I wouldn’t mind a piece of that action…keeping Manneken Pis clothed to celebrate events and traditions! Must give him peace to know that he doesn’t have to always be naked! 🙂

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Garderobe Manneken Pis

https://www.brusselsmuseums.be/en/museums/garderobe-mannekenpis
Address: Rue du Chêne 19 Bruxelles
Hours: Tuesday- Sunday, 1000-1700. Closed on Mondays and on January 1, January 5, January 11, November 11, December 25 and December 31. Closes at 1600 on December 24 and December 31.
Admission: Adults ages 18+, 4€. Under age 18 and citizens of Brussels, free. Free with Brussels card and on the first Sunday of the month. You can purchase a combined ticket for both the Garderobe Manneken Pis and the BrusselsCity Museum, 8€.
Getting There: Metro, station Bourse/Beurs, lines 3 and 4. Bus stops, Grand Place/Grote Markt and Cesar de Paepe.

Full List of costumes and origination dates

The Virgin of Quito

As we drove through the darkened streets of Quito toward our hotel, it was as if a ray of sunshine cast itself through the nighttime skies down on Panecillo hill.

Fittingly, before the Spanish arrived, the Incas used this hill as a place to worship the sun. At night, it is lighted so that it is visible for the entire city to see and is the location of an icon that is worshiped by millions.

The Blessed Virgin.

Commissioned in 1976, by the religious order of the Oblates, the statue was designed by Spanish artist Agustín de la Herrán Matorras. The statue, which is 134 1/2 feet high, is made up of seven thousand pieces of aluminum, which reflects the light of the day and continually makes itself known, high above the city.

After seeing this amazing statue from afar, upon our late night arrival, I knew that I had to see it up close. Taking an Uber through the winding streets that led up to the top of Panecillo hill, I gasped at the enormity of the statue as we pulled into the parking lot.

As I stood beneath her, I took note that she is much like other classic virgin statues, stepping on a snake while standing atop a globe. What makes this virgin less like others, however, is her angelic wings and the fact that her posture gives the impression of a dancer, much like the Virgen de Quito sculpted by Bernardo de Legarda in 1734 and on display in the Church of St. Francis.

The hill upon which the Virgin stands offers amazing 360 degree views of the surrounding city and mountainous areas beyond on clear days and we noticed many people here relishing the views as well as purchasing souvenirs and food at the many kiosks that surround the area.

Entering the Virgin statue, we paid the entry fee and proceeded to climb the stairs to the three levels which present religious icons, artwork and beautiful stained glass windows. Upon reaching the uppermost level, it was possible to see the innards of the statue…a fascinating glimpse at how the largest of this kind of monument was put together.

Making our way down and to the exterior, we admired the statue from the different levels of the landscape, appreciating how the late afternoon sun illuminated it so beautifully.

While a trip to the top of Panecillo Hill is a relatively easy one with the large availability of taxis and Ubers, it might be tempting to make the uphill hike through the neighborhoods below, especially if you are in the downtown Quito area. Be cautious as we were warned of vicious neighborhood dogs and muggings that haunt the inclined area. It should be known, as well, that cell service was not very good at the top of the hill and we luckily found a taxi before attempting to make the downhill hike. Nevertheless, a visit to the Virgin of Panecillo is one that all visitors to Quito should make to appreciate its artistry.

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El Panecillo

Address: El Panecillo, Quito EC170111, Ecuador
Hours: Monday through Friday, 0900-1800, Saturday and Sunday, 0900-1700
Admission: $1 to enter premises, $2 to enter statue
Getting There: Taxi or Uber, about $3-4 each way from the center of downtown

Open Arms

Distance can certainly skew one’s perception.

Standing high on a cliff above the Tejo estuary, Cristo Rei, Portugal’s answer to Rio’s Christ Statue, beseeches visitors to wend across the Tagus River, to scrutinize its enormity.

As I walked along the waterfront on one of my trips to Lisbon, I glanced across the waterway to the statue, wondering just how big it actually was?

A couple of summers ago, I visited Rio’s iconic statue and marveled at its size as I stood at its base. I had also visited the more modest Christ Cristo Blanco statue in Cuzco a few months later and the Virgin Statue in Quito. Does Cristo Rei measure up to Christ the Redeemer, its inspiration?

While traveling with a friend, who hails from Rio de Janeiro, we debated this topic. As a proud Brazilian, she truly believes that no other Christ statue equals the size of the one that tops Corcovado mountain in Rio. After googling a few dimensions, we were surprised to find that although the actual statue of Christ the Redeemer outshines Cristo Rei by 2 meters, their pedestal heights are remarkably different with the latter statue’s overtaking the former’s by 76 meters.

But looking at them both from afar, why does the one in Lisbon seem smaller than the one in Rio?

With Christ the Redeemer’s location so high on the mountain and Cristo Rei’s location on a hill far across the Tagus River, the disparity of their bearings definitely add to the mystery of how large each actually appear to be.

We decided that we would visit Cristo Rei, stand beneath the statue and see if our perception of the two was the same.

Travel to the statue is not complicated and can be reached by car, traveling across the 25 de Abril Bridge, by train through the station in Pragal and by ferry over the Tagus River, through the port of Cacilhas in Almada. In the interest of time, we decided to take Uber to the ferry port and enjoy the river crossing in the bright, sunny afternoon. Once we reached the opposite shore, we jumped on the bus which deposited us at the gates of the Sanctuary a few minutes later.

*Bus stop outside of ferry terminal, Cacilhas port*

Cristo Rei, inaugurated on May 17, 1959, was erected to express gratitude to God for the country being spared the effects of World War II. Taking almost ten years to complete, the statue and has attracted thousands of visitors. Over the years, additions have been made to the grounds, including the Chapel of Our Lady of Peace and a Sanctuary with a rectory, chapel, administration and meeting halls and exhibition galleries.

As we walked through the parking premises, we made our way to the statue’s base and to the entrance facing the river. Paying our admittance, we joined the line waiting for a spot in the elevator which would take us to the viewing platform at the foot of the statue.

Exiting the elevator and climbing the stairway adjacent to the gift shop, we stepped out into the sunshine and glanced upwards.

There it was…Cristo Rei…all ninety-two feet of him!

Making our way around the top of the base, we craned our neck to get a better look at the statue designed by sculptor Francisco Franco de Sousa. Like Christ the Redeemer, the figure of Christ’s arms are extended, facing the city of Lisbon, as if to embrace the city. Standing beneath the statue, we both agreed that our impression of the statues, while in their immediate presence was similar. Even my Brazilian friend was astonished at how large this statue actually was and so similar to Christ the Redeemer!

Remaining for some time, we enjoyed the fascinating views of the city all around us while standing in the shadow of the dominant icon, faced by the bronze Ten Commandments.

Finally, we decided to see all of the other areas that the sanctuary had to offer.

Making our way down within the four arches of the pedestal (oriented in the directions of the compass rose), we visited the Chapel of Our Lady of Peace and the Pope John XXIII Hall, containing eight oil paintings created by João de Sousa Araújo. An old high cross from the Sanctuary of Christ the King is also located in the hall. The Chapel of the Confidants of the Heart of Jesus displays valuable reliquaries of Saint Margaret Mary Alacoque, Saint John Eudes, Saint Faustina Kowalska and Blessed Mary of the Divine Heart Droste zu Vischering.

Exiting the pedestal, we made our way around the structure, admiring the statues of the apostles and other pieces of religious art on the premises, including stations of the cross. Here, it is also possible to admire the sweeping views of the city across the river and access to the grounds is free if unable to gain entry into the pedestal.

So, which statue did my Brazilian friend think was more impressive? Christ the Redeemer, of course! It is one of the symbols of her country and I wouldn’t expect her to choose anything but. If you ask me? It would be close, as I was impressed by both. Christ the Redeemer, however, having always been on my bucket list and located so high above the city, I think it ekes out the win!

If anyone is visiting Lisbon and looking for an afternoon of adventure, I would definitely recommend making the short journey to Cristo Rei…one of the city’s treasures!

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National Sanctuary of Christ the King

https://cristorei.pt/default.aspx?langid=2
Address: 2800-058 Almada, Portugal
Hours: Summer weekdays, 0930-1830, Summer weekends, 0930-1900, Winter, 0930-1830.
Admission: Adults, €6.00, Children, €3.00
Getting There: Take the commuter ferry from Cais do Sodre Station across the river to Cacilhas, from where there are buses (#101) outside the station that stop at the monument. Ferry ticket price, €1.30. Bus ticket, €1.50 purchased from driver.

Stumbling Upon a Statue

What I love most about Rome is that there is always something different to discover around each corner…from statues to memorials, to major landmarks and archaeological sites…some more interesting than others, but all deserving some insight into their historical aspects.

While on a walk, I came across a statue on the backside of the Ministry of Economics and Finance. Curious about its origins, I decided to investigate.

This monument, dedicated to Quintino Sella, an Italian politician, economist and mountaineer, was erected in 1893, and was chosen after thirty-one sketches were presented for consideration to the city. Inaugurated on April 9, 1893, in the square in front of the Ministry of Finance, the monument was eventually moved on the side of Via Cernaia.

Born in the Province of Biella, Quintino Sella studied engineering in Turin and then mineralogy in Paris, witnessing the revolution of 1848. Returning to Turin in 1852, he worked as a professor of geometry, mathematics and then, eventually, mineralogy.

In 1860, he moved into politics, serving as a deputy for the city of Cossato, secretary-general of public instruction and then received the portfolio of finance from Rattazzi and later, La Marmora. His great political influence led to his heading of a Moderate Conservative cabinet at which he remained until retiring from public life.

Despite his busy educational and political aspirations, Sella spent a great deal of time pursuing his mountaineering interests. He was involved in the competition for the first ascent of the Matterhorn and founded the Club Alpino Italiano, with a number of its mountain huts named in his honor.

Passing away in 1884, Quintino Sella was buried at the graveyard near the Santuary of Oropa, where a pyramid was erected in his honor.

The monument that I observed at the Ministry of Finance, was designed by Ettore Ferrari and consists of a cross-shaped stepped base from which rises a pedestal on which the bronze statue of the statesman appears to be walking with his right hand on his chest and holding papers in his left. A female figure with a naked breast wrapped in a wide cloak, is seated beneath Sella’s representation. On the female’s left side is a bronze figure of a naked boy, symbolizing the Genius of Finance, holding a book with the word Finanze on it.

The statue was an interesting find and after discovering its history, I went in search of the plaque also dedicated to Quintino Sella on Via Nazionale.

It wasn’t the Coliseum or the Vatican…but I learned a bit about an important Italian, just by stumbling across a statue dedicated to him.

Lots more of that in Rome!!!

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Monumento a Quintino Sella

http://www.sovraintendenzaroma.it/i_luoghi/roma_medioevale_e_moderna/monumenti/monumento_a_quintino_sella
Address: Via Cernaia, 21, 00185 Roma RM, Italy
Hours: 24 hours, daily
Admission: free
Getting There: Metro, Castro Pretorio or Republica

Cristo Blanco

Standing tall on mountainside, we could see him from Plaza de Armas.

Cristo Blanco, the Statue of the White Christ.

Though not as large as Christ the Redeemer in Rio, this statue was a gift from Palestinian Christians in 1945, as a token of gratitude for the refuge they received in the city after World War II. Keeping watch over the city with open arms, the sculpture beckons tourists to take a closer look and to gaze out over the sprawling city of Cusco.

Designed by local artist Francisco Olazo Allende, who also designed the Santa Clara archway leading into Cusco’s San Francisco Square, the parts of the statue were manufactured in the San Blas district and then transferred and erected on the spiritual location of Pukamoqo Hill, which supposedly holds soil from all of the four quarters of the Inca Empire.

After our visit to Sacsayhuamán, we took a short walk from the rear of the site uphill to the statue. Towering above us about 25 feet, the statue starkly contrasted against the clear, blue sky. Though the fencing surrounding it kept us from getting too close, we were able to get some decent photographs and our visit lasted a short ten minutes. Since not much time is required at the site, you can incorporate your visit with stops at Sacsayhuamán, Q’enqo, Puka Pukara and Tambomacay, all located on the same highway.

And Cristo Blanco never sleeps. Make sure to cast your eyes upward at night when he is brightly lit! A constant reminder of the hospitality and friendliness of the Cusqueñan people.

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Cristo Blanco

Hours: Open daily, 24 hours
Admission: free
Getting There: By taxi, about S/. 15 (about $5.50 US), with journey taking about 15 minutes. By foot, from Plaza de Armas, the journey takes about 30-40 minutes, uphill.

Checking Out Rio

Bucket Lists?

Doesn’t everyone have one?

I do. Mine is pretty lengthy and covers things all over the world. Steadily marking things off, I always hope to make some headway but I guess I need to quit adding to the list.

Recently, I found myself heading down to Rio, a first for me. Immediately, I realized that there was something on my bucket list that I could accomplish.

Christ the Redeemer Statue. Cristo Redentor.

The immense art deco statue, made of concrete and soapstone and measuring 98 feet high (with a 26 foot pedestal), was created by French sculptor Paul Landowski and completed in 1931. Weighing a massive 635 metric tons it is located at the peak of Corcovado mountain in the Tijuca Forest National Park. Listed as one of the New Seven Wonders of the World, it is a symbol of Christianity across the world, a cultural icon of both Rio de Janeiro and Brazil and the most visited landmark in the country.

After arriving and discovering a beautiful day awaited me, a quick shower gave me the wake-up call I needed and I was off to Praça do Lido to purchase my ticket and take the provided transportation up to the summit.

Driving through the city was fascinating…the architecture and busy streets held my attention until I realized we were climbing. After a while, we pulled into the National Park area and the Cosme Velho station. Here, we were transferred to another van which would take us the remainder of the way to the statue.

It is important to note that there are a couple of other ways to make your way to the station. A cab can be taken to the Cosme Velho station, just be aware that there are no set rates and the meter should be turned on. From, here you can arrange to take one of the vans or the Cog train to the top of the mountain. If you are the adventuresome type and trying to work off the many pastels you ate for dinner the night before, you might consider hiking the remainder of the way.

After the short ride to the top, I disembarked and ascended the steep stairs, passing amazing overlooks, restaurants and gift shops hawking rosaries and replicas of the statue. My first glimpse of the formidable statue was from the rear, but even at this angle, I must say, it took my breath away.

A few more steps and there I was. Looking into Cristo Rendtor’s face.

Check.

Looking up at the statue in the afternoon light was more than I could ever imagine. Tall and imposing, the statue towers over the mountain and keeps watch over the surrounding city…which by the way, offers unobstructed views of Copacabana Beach, Ipanema Beach, Sugarloaf Mountain and the neighboring mountains. I couldn’t have asked for more, however, if I ever returned, I think that it would be in the morning to have the brilliant sunlight on the statue’s front side.

Be sure to check out the busts at the rear of the statue depicting the engineer and Archbishop who were instrumental in the building of the statue as well as the small chapel.

Though relatively crowded, your admission ticket does not dictate how much time you can spend at the statue and believe me, take your time. Relish it! Enjoy it!

Whip out that notebook and pencil and make that big check mark!

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Santuario Cristo Redentor

https://cristoredentoroficial.com.br/
Address: Parque Nacional da Tijuca – Alto da Boa Vista, Rio de Janeiro – RJ, Brazil
Hours: 0800-1900, daily
Admission: Adults, R$43 (about $11.50 US), Children R$21.50 (about $5.75 US), Children under 6, free.
Getting There: By Van from Largo do Machado and Praça do Lido.
R$ 74 (high season/ weekends and holidays) and R$ 61 (low season / week days) – Children from 5 to 11 years old, R$ 48. Children under 5, free. Seniors over 60 years, Brazilians and foreigners residing in Brazil, R$ 40,50. Transportation and admission included in price.
Business hours: Daily, 8am-4pm (Praça do Lido) and 8am-5pm (Largo do Machado).

Journey To The Big Buddha

Travel to Asia? It’s a long way, but a good business class seat and a pair of pajamas can help minimize the pain! Throw in a couple of movies and you are there before you know it!

When we first decided to go to Hong Kong, I must admit, I was a bit overwhelmed. It’s a long way and I was taking my youngest son with me. I know how difficult it is to adapt to a twelve hour time difference, but I wasn’t sure how he would react. Additionally, it’s a big city, halfway across the world, with so many things to do. How was I ever going to figure it all out so that he enjoyed his time there?

Though nervous, I decided to tackle the journey in steps, making it seem more manageable.

After the long journey, first stopping in Seattle, we finally landed in Hong Kong International Airport. That was the first step. Step two encompassed getting to the hotel. Check. (A taxi was relatively cheap and easy and deposited us at our door) Found something my picky son would actually eat. Step three complete. (McDonald’s was nearby in Langham Place Mall)

Final step…find things that we could enjoy together.

An early start, on our first morning, had us navigating the MTR (metro) to Lantau Island. I desperately wanted to visit something I had seen over the years depicted in pictures from Hong Kong…the Big Buddha!

Getting to the Big Buddha originally entailed taking a lengthy bus ride along winding mountain roads. In 2004, construction began on a cable car project developed to improve tourism to the area. The three and a half mile long bi-cable gondola lift system links Tung Chung and Ngong Ping, running across the southern shore of the Hong Kong International Airport Island and Nei Lak Shan with eight towers including the stations. Five of the towers are located within the country park.

After arriving at the Tung Chung station, we made our way out to the Ngong Ping 360 Cable Car station across the street. Taking our place in the line that had already begun to form, we eventually purchased a combo ticket offering round-trip transportation in the cable car, entrance to the Ngong Ping village and bus transportation from Ngong Ping to the Tai O fishing village.

Spectacular views were to be had from our cable car as we made our way across the water and hills to Ngong Ping village. Swinging into the final station, we exited our car and set foot in the culturally themed village. Though built in the old traditional style, it is brand new construction, something which often disappoints those seeking to experience some of Hong Kong’s architectural history.

Created at the top of the Ngong Ping plateau, the village was opened in 2005 and was designed and landscaped to reflect the cultural and spiritual integrity of the area. A diverse array of retail, dining and entertainment experiences await visitors including virtual reality experiences, the Bodhi Wishing Shrine and the Bodhi Tree (known as the Bo Tree), the “Tree of Awakening”. The Bo Tree is known as the tree under which Siddhartha meditated “Who am I and why am I here?”, eventually attaining Enlightenment and becoming Buddha.

Although we enjoyed the village and all that it had to offer, I must admit, after many years of taking my children to theme parks, I decided that Ngong Ping village exhibited a too much of a theme-park atmosphere. Glad that this was not all that we had come for, we were anxious to experience the Po Lin Monastery and the Tian Tan Buddha, both a short walk from the village.

The Big Buddha can be spied from the cable car while approaching Ngong Ping village as well as during your walk from the village. Nothing prepares you, however, for its magnitude, especially while gazing up at the effigy from the base of the hill.

The statue, standing 112 feet tall and weighing over 250 metric tons, was completed on December 29, 1993, the day that the Chinese reckon as the day of the Buddhas’s enlightenment. Constructed from 202 bronze pieces, the immense statue can be seen across the bay from as far away as Macau on a clear day.

Climbing the 268 steps up the hill to reach the Buddha is definitely a test of one’s physical fitness. Though I work out a couple of times a week, I found myself stopping occasionally to rest, reminding myself of the reward waiting at the top. As I languished in the shade of one of the many urns on the stairway, I found myself wondering what those who were unable to climb would do in order to appreciate the statue from a closer perspective. I later learned that the site also features a small winding road for vehicles to accommodate the handicapped.

With my final steps conquered, I stood peering up at the impressive Buddha (one of five large Buddha statues in China), right hand raised, representing the removal of affliction and left hand resting open in his lap in a gesture of generosity. Facing north, unique among the great Buddha statues (all others face south), I stared out at his view of surrounding landscape, remembering that the Buddha symbolizes the harmonious relationship between man and nature, people and faith.

The statue is named Tian Tan Buddha because its base is a model of the Altar of Heaven or Earthly Mount of Tian Tan, the Temple of Heaven in Beijing and as we made our way around, we admired the six smaller bronze statues known as “The Offering of the Six Devas” that are posed offering flowers, incense, lamp, ointment, fruit and music to the Buddha. These figures symbolize the Six Perfection of generosity, morality, patience, zeal, mediation and wisdom, all necessary for enlightenment.

Since we did not purchase an offering for the Buddha, we were not allowed to see the Buddha’s most esteemed element, the relic of Gautama Buddha, which consists of some of his alleged cremated remains. There are also three floors beneath the statue, the halls of the Universe, of Benevolent Merit and of Remembrance, which we were under the impression that we were not allowed to visit since we did not purchase admission at the base of the stairway. We did peek inside, however, pictures were strictly forbidden. The thought crossed my mind to make the long climb down and back up again, in order to have admission, but as time was limited, we decided against it.

Another amazing feature under the Buddha is a huge bell inscribed with images of Buddhas and is designed to ring every seven minutes, 108 times a day, symbolizing the release of 108 kinds of human vexations. I must admit, however, I did not know this fact during our visit and do not remember hearing the bell ring.

After admiring the view one more time (and taking a peek at my watch to make sure we were still on schedule), I prepared myself for the long climb down.

It was time for the Po Lin Monastery.

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Tian Tan Buddha (Big Buddha)

http://www.plm.org.hk/
Address: Ngong Ping Rd, Lantau Island, Hong Kong
Hours: 1000-1730, daily
Admission: Access to the outside of the Buddha is free of charge, but there is an admission fee to go inside the Buddha.
Getting There: Option 1: Take Lantau Bus No. 23 at the bus station outside Tung Chung MTR Station to Ngong Ping Bus Terminus (travel time: about 45 minutes). Option 2: Take Ngong Ping Cable Car at the Cable Car Station outside Tung Chung MTR Station (travel time: about 25 minutes); take an additional 10-minute walk to the Monastery. Option 3: Take First Ferry from Central Pier to Mui Wo, and take Lantau Bus No.2 to Ngong Ping Bus Terminus (travel time from Mui Wo to Ngong Ping: about 35 minutes). Option 4: Take Lantau Bus No. 21 at the bus stop in Tai O to Ngong Ping Bus Terminus (travel time: about 15 minutes). Option 5: Take a Lantau Island taxi.

01/05/1698	0	Habit rich Maximilian (see No. 677)
31/05/1747	1	Habit given by King Louis XV
01/01/1770	2	Gala costume, City of Brussels (exact date unknown)
01/01/1790	3	Marquis (exact date unknown)
01/01/1820	4	Gala Habit (exact date unknown)
01/01/1830	6	Volunteer of the Belgian Revolution (exact date unknown) – New outfit available in 2006, see No. 781 (date précise inconnue) – Nouveau costume offert en 2006, voir n°781
01/01/1852	5	1852 gala dress (exact date unknown)
29/11/1918	7	“Jass” of the 12th regiment of Line Petite out dress – Gift of the City of Brussels with the money made by the elders of 1870 and 14/18
06/03/1919	8	19th Battalion of the French foot Hunters – Don Ducornez the Commander. 11/10/45 wore to visit the General De Gaulle
19/11/1921	9	Student of the ULB (see No. 690)
11/06/1922	10	Boy Scout Baden Powell – 10th anniversary of the police Brussels
22/04/1923	11	Alsace – Don bourgeois Colmar
11/05/1927	12	Service clubs “The Gays Fellows” – 50th anniversary of the Royal Circle and Philanthropy
16/01/1928	13	Jimbaori costume Samurai, Asahi Journal
07/01/1929	14	Gille de Binche (see No. 916)
17/02/1929	15	Huntsman Brabant Brabant Rally. Master Crews from Belgium
21/06/1930	16	1st Regiment Carabinieri 100th anniversary Grande held in use until 1914
12/10/1930	17	Minor in the region of Mons President of the Society of United Decorated Charbonnages West from Mons to Boussu. Visit to Brussels to Labor Day
09/01/1931	18	India child Parsee religion, Bombay (or 14/01/1931)
03/03/1932	19	Sioux Indian Circus Sarrasini (demonstration in Monoment fairground)
11/12/1932	20	Gunner, 2nd Artillery Regiment Fraternal old Raiment in use until 1914
01/10/1933	21	“Piot” 10th anniversary of the 9th Regiment of the Line Fraternal Petite out dress before 1914
27/05/1934	22	Conservatory System Old 35th anniversary of philanthropy
04/06/1935	23	Polynesian dancer
03/08/1935	24	Alsatian
26/09/1935	25	Great Daimyo armor shops Matsu Zakaia Remembrance visiting If Mr Thys, Special Ambassador for the emperor to announce the death of Albert I and the advent of Leopold III
05/05/1936	26	Mr. Noble Kigo Japanese architect in Osaka
26/01/1937	27	1st Regiment of Grenadiers Regiment Centennial
31/05/1937	28	Lawyer toga
05/07/1938	29	Boater, Circle 60th Anniversary Regatta
19/02/1939	30	Pierrot the circle “The Nameless” Cercle Royal choral and philanthropy founded in 1883
27/02/1939	31	Student Liège Royal Association of medical students and pharmacy (or 02.28.1939)
20/05/1941	32	Corporal Don 9th Line Regiment Lady-Ackermans Top
29/07/1945	33	Sergeant Welsh Guards – Raiment peacetime. Commemoration of September 3, 1944
04/09/1945	34	Liberation Brigade Piron – Jean Piron Brigade Commander
20/10/1945	35	Belgian paratrooper Special Air Service
21/10/1945	36	Member of the National Movement MNB Belgian. MP receives honorary brigade municipal utilities and provincial lecommandement
27/10/1945	37	US Marine Commander Don Boas Dressed October 27, “Navy Day” in the USA
15/12/1945	38	Sergeant Pilot RAF December 15: the anniversary of the Battle of Britain (8 / 08-31 / 10/40)
13/02/1946	39	Sergeant Major of the PM April 6: the anniversary of the entry into the war the Army of the USA in 14/18