Asian Adventure - Chi Lin Nunnery, 5 May 2019

Yet another dull, grey and rainy day in Hong Kong, but that  didn't distract from our visit to the beautiful Chi Lin Nunnery, situated in the heart of the city, surrounded by skyscrapers, busy highways and all the trappings of a modern World. Quite simply, the nunnery was a stunning destination and the highlight of my trip to this little piece of China!

We got a taxi from outside of our hotel; the half hour, 5 kilometre journey to Chi Lin, cost just sixty Hong Kong Dollars, about six pounds. I have a lot of blisters on my feet from all the walking yesterday, so it was comforting being able to sit in a car for a while, rather than adding to the pain I was feeling; a taxi ride was just what the Doctor ordered!

Hong Kong is known for its tall buildings and bustling, tireless lifestyle, so today it was perfect to spend time walking, relaxing and comtemplating, without rushing. Chi Lin Nunnery is one of the wonders of Hong Kong and I was looking forward to spending time here; I wasn't disappointed. I have always had an interest in Asian architecture, customs and culture, which on the surface looks calm and peaceful, but like any civilisation this part of the continent has suffered its fare share of struggles, which can also be seen in the history that surrounds Chi Lin. This religious site is truly wondrous, an oasis in the middle of urban sprawl, framing the nunnery perfectly. From every angle you can see the city outside, the modern in stark contrast to the old.

As we drove up to the complex, I couldn't have imagined what lied within the walls that surrounded it. At first glance the structure looked pretty unassuming and it isn't until you enter through the gates that you realise the magnificence inside. One is immediately greeted by a panoramic view of Chi Lin, the city skyscape beyond and in the centre, the prepossessing welcoming gardens of Nan Lian, so popular with residents and tourists alike. I was awestruck by the enchanting foliage in the gardens, Buddhist architecture - The great Maitreya Hall, golden statues around every corner, the well maintained lotus ponds, Bonsai Tea Plants and intricately carved artifacts, an echo of the Tang Dynasty it was intended to imitate. This was my kind of place, a piece of history I was happy to explore.

As I walked around the gardens I genuinely felt emotional, vehemence running wild with my senses. Little old me, was able to travel to Hong Kong and see first hand the sites unfolding before my very eyes. Travelling the World is something special to be savoured and enjoyed, after all not everyone can see what I have and continue to experience as I journey around the far east. This is a trip predominantly about meeting Darrell, but our circumstances has given us an opportunity to see Countries, others can only dream of seeing. Hong Kong isn't my cup of tea, it isn't a place I could or would want to live, but I can appreciate just what makes this autonomous territory tick. It really is where east meets west and modernity sits happily side by side with ancient architecture and I am so glad I was able to traverse this small part of China. The 'Fragrant Harbour' is a great introduction to the mainland, a trip I hope to make in the future. The words I write and thoughts expressed today are at the forefront of my impressions as I quietly meander through time! This historic monument at the top of Diamond Hill is a special location and will always have a poignant place in my heart. It is doubtful I will return here again, so I am glad it will be my enduring memory of Hong Kong!

My Aunt and Darrell took a trip around Hong Kong on The Star Ferry in the afternoon. Despite wanting to join them, I decided better of it after a travelling to the harbour on the hotel shuttle bus and noticing just how bad the weather really was. I wasn't particularly happy about sitting on a boat in the rain in any case. As soon as we arrived, I travelled straight back, preferring the comfort of the Dorsett Mongkok. Anxiety did once again get the better of me that day, but it actually was beginning to get somewhat easier. When you suffer with agitation and in some cases panic attacks, big cities can be a major source or trigger. I imagine it is difficult for my Aunt and Darrell to understand the feelings I have, but I am not in control of them at the moment. I am happy enough to do what I can and even happier just to be near Darrell, the fact anxiety is playing a role in the trip, just shows me how much I have changed in the last four years and I can at least now adjust my plans when travelling in future.

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