Ragir -Satipanna Cave & Vulture peak

SATIPANNA CAVE
Reached Ragir in time for our lunch at 11am. After lunch and a short rest, we took hike up to Satipanna cave. This is where the 1st buddist council of 500 arhats were held. At the foot of the hills were the hot springs as well as some Hindus temple which is very crowded but once up to the cave (about 1 hour hike up) it's pretty much on our own.

The caves have been sealed off due to the passage of time, but we did want in to one of the openings. Mediated for a while and listened to the discourse on the biddost council.

VULTURE PEAK
The next morning, weWoke up at 330am for the ascent to vulture peak.

This is the place where Buddha gave some important discourse and also the pace where it's believe the heart sutra was taught.

Took 45 mins of a climb in total darkness to reach the top. Up there, as we were the only group there in such early hours, it's really peaceful and quiet. Sat for a while under the stars and when i opened my eyes, can start to see the rays of the morning sun.

Spent almost 2 hours at the peak, mediating and listening to what the Buddha has taught. we came down while the sun is rising and the arrival of the other prilmgms.

A vast contrast to my previous trip when it's really crowded up the peak.

On The way back to hotel, we stopped by Bimbisara prison and the Javaka stupa (the buddist doctor).

We also did a trip to the bamboo groove and Nalanda, the Buddhist university where many monks studied and taught here in the early days. Sadly it was destroyed and all was left are the ruins that's about 1km long, where it used to sketches up to 10km.

JOURNEY TO BUDDHA LAND 2018 - Bodhgaya

Today is the 5th day of the trip. We are leaving for Ragir after 4 nights to Bodhgaya. Bodhgaya is where Lord Buddha attain enlignment sitting under the Bodhi Tree.

My 2nd visit to this place and this time, it's a longer visit. Seemingly the place is not as filled with beggars as during my 2012 trip.

Mahabodi temple is as usual filled with monks, prilmgms paying respect to the Buddha and the bodhi tree. Chanting and prostration around the temple.

There are many voices, sounds of different traditions chanting, even people talking bit surprisingly when near the bodhi tree and when u close your eyes and reflect inwards, there's always the sense of calm and peace.

We woke up early on 2 morning, set off at 430am for the morning mediation. There always a mad rush for the entry when the temple opens at 5am. But still once ok ger inside and gazed at the mahabodi temple, calmness regins.

We visited the Sujata Stupa where lady Sujata gave Buddha alms of the milk porridge after he stop his aestic practices as well as the Donga cave (where he spent 6 years of his aestic practices).

On the last day, we did a full day trip to Maha kassapa cave. It was a difficult trip of small and winding roads, and took us 2 to 3 hours to climb up the mountain with 1600 steps. Up the cave, we listened to the reading of his life story and enjoyed the entry of the cave.

And this concludes the 4 days at Bodgaya. I really enjoyed the time spent at the bodhi tree, simply taking in the energy and peace of the bodhi tree.

Winter Wonderland @ Neuschwanstein Castle

Woke up to snow in the morning! Snow in Spring! And the temperature forecast is at a -4 deg up in the mountains. It’s going to be a cold cold day! Was re-thinking our plans to go up to the Neuschwanstein Castle for the day, but in the end, we decided to go ahead, and I’m really glad we did!

Took the 9:52 train from Munich (using the Bayern Ticket) and reached Fussen at 11:55am. Took a short bus ride (bus 73) and reached the tickets collection center. Glad that we made the ticket reservation and was able to join the shorter queue and got our tickets in less than 10 mins. The queue for the non-reserved tickets was long!

Unfortunately for us, the bus service was not operational. We opted for the horse carriage ride, but after waiting for 30mins, and the Queue doesn’t seems to be moving, we decided to walk up. Our tour time was at 1:35pm, and it was already 12:15! Walked up the beautiful slopes and it started snowing again! It’s super cold, but yet, the scenery was really beautiful, trees and ground covered in the white snow, making it so magical – a magical walk up to the castle.

After around 40mins, we finally reached the entrance of the castle! It’s beautiful, really as magical as it can be, covered in snow and sunlight! Glad that we made the trip and made it for the tour. Not able to take any photos inside the castle, but it was beautiful. After the tour, made our way back down and got nice delicious and hot donuts on the way down to the horse stable. This time, we waited for the horse carriage and took the carriage ride down.

Made our way back to the station, and took the train back to Munich. It was really a magical day out. Snow in Spring! Loved it.

 

A first to Euope 2017

finally, planned and made my first trip to Europe. A DIY trip to Germany, Italy and Holland.

really took a lot of research and time to figure out the train connections, tickets and such and finally, we are on our way!

Germany -Nuremberg / Rothenburg

Arrived in Frankfurt on Good Friday. After a night of rest, took the train directly to Nurnburg. Finally realise that every where is in german language and English signs are almost non-existent! even in some places of attracttions. at least some have an audio guide to help is understand.

Visted the old town and happened to chance upon an Easter market whole we are at the Altasdt in Nurnberg! yum yum food and interesting things they sell!

walked up the castle, and by the time we finished walking back, and had a dinner of Pasta,  most of the shops are closed and it's pretty quiet on the streets by 8pm!

Rothenberg

The next day, we took the train to Rothenberg. Took us 2 changes and we were super confused by the platform and train details which is all in German! lucky managed to asked and got help from a passerby!

it's a beautiful little town with it's own character. but as it's the good friday / Easter holiday,  almost all the shops are closed. we could only window shopped literally! but it still makes an interesting visit!

Alishan & KaoShiung 2016

March is supposedly a beautiful season to visit Taiwan, with the cooling temperature and nice weather. But alas, the weather turned sour on us on our 2nd day onwards.


Took the early flight out from Singapore, via Scoot. Took the KRT directly from the airport to ZuoYing, caught the HSR and managed to meet the last bus up Alishan (1310) but the bus was full. Left without much of a  choice, we took a taxi up (NT$1500), but was kinda of a blessing. On the way up, we passed an area with the Sakura with a full blossom and the taxi driver stopped for a while letting us take some beautiful shots.


Reached our Minsu at 23.5 Sunrise around 3 plus, checked-in and had our tea break provided by the minsu. The tea-break was all made by the owner which is pretty amazing. Took a free ride to Fengqihu and spend the afternoon walking around and of course got the all famous Fengqihu Lunch box set.


The next morning, we woke up very early(3.30am), checked out of the minus, and got all our luggage up the mountains. Managed to get the cab driver that gave us a better rate then the minsu. Took the cab to the mountain top, queued for the first train ticket and hope on the train for the sunrise viewing. However, the morning was too foggy and all we see is a sea of white. Did a morning hike at the mountain, and shortly, it started raining. It's a beautiful day, but as it got later, the crowd of tourists also increases. Finally around 9am, we gave up, and went back to the main train station. Despite planning to spend the day at Alishan, we took the 1030am bus back to the Chiayi HSR. Cold and wet morning, and finally we reached our hotel in Kaoshiung around 3pm. Just in time for check-in and a rest.


The rest of the trip was spent at Kaoshiung. One of the days was spent at Fo Guan Shan. My 2nd trip but still as amazing. We took the cab all the way up to the main temple, and from there, we walked around the temple grounds for around 1.5 hours, before making our way to the Buddha Memorial where we spent the rest of the day. The day is still a rainy day, making it cold and wet but we had a very spiritual day and it was really energizing.


The fourth day, we actually planned to visit Cijin Isle. But due to the rain, we decided against it, since our main intention is to ride the bicycle. Walked around and went to the British Consulate instead. The view up there is beautiful despite the rain. Took a walk all the way back down to the bridges and finally we decided to take the ferry to Cijin just to have our seafood lunch. Heading back, visited the Takao Railway Musuem.


On the last day, we went by Pier-2 Arts center, and came across their weekly Saturday Flea market. It's really full of little curios! Bought a few interesting souvenir's back for my friends. On the way back, we took the Duck Tour along the Love River. We passed by a Labour museum and had a eye opener visit to the small but interesting museum. they happened to have

HK 2016

Back from my 4 days of escape to HK with Ah Von.
IT was really a misty and magical 4 days. Almost everyday is a misty white due to the fog.
This trip, we did a bus ride (no. 15 from Admiralty Station) to the top of the peak and hike all the way down to Pok Fok Lum Reservior. It took us about 3 hours (ard 9am to 12noon). But it was a magical walk, probably due to the mist/fog. Everywhere is  misty white and with the morning dew and the fresh morning air. True, our knees almost turned jelly due to the down stairs but it's still a worthwhile walk.


Another memorable part of the trip was our walk from Mui-Wo to the waterfall. It's kind of rural areas with many expats with their kids. The walk took us around 2 hours, slowing exploring the area, and the houses around. Beautifully quiet. Saw that they planted quite a few Sakura trees along the pathway at regular intervals. Once grown, the place would be super beautiful.


Oh we made a little off trip to discovery bay on one of the foggiest day. We couldn't really see anything , it's just a blanket of white!


Of course the rest of the trip is eating and shopping. We had dim sum, very nice coffee and much much more! Yummy Trip.