The Stay-Puft Marshmallow Man is going to come to life and eat us all

Don't worry, it's not the Stay-puft marshmallow man.  Actually, it's the world's largest statue of Buddha (according to my Hong Kong source Jeroen, the previous two holders of the title had been in Afghanistan, and toppled somewhat recently).  But the imposing size and position of this statue did give me the feeling he was going to come to life and wreak havoc on Lantau, the island where the Buddha is found.    Easy there, big fella.  I'm also a little wary of the Swastika emblazoned on your chest.  I've got my eye on you.

Lantau is the large island west of Hong Kong island, with a couple highly populous, high-rise urban enclaves, whereas the rest of the island appears to be forested foothills and near-deserted beach villages.  Would've been an interesting place for an elevated cable-car ride, but of course today was the one day a year the island's cable-car, Ngong Ping 360, was closed for repair.  The bus had to suffice.

I sat next to a Thai tourist traveling by himself as well; he introduced himself in broken English as Joe (wha?), and we helped each other out with photos.  He pointed out differences between Thai temples and Hong Kong (~Chinese) temples, noting that these were more ornate and elaborate.  Or so I think; his English, though decent from a stint working at a hotel in New Jersey, made it it difficult to communicate clearly.  But he was a nice dude, who lives in Bangkok, and he told me to email him when I get there so he can show me around.  I gave him my facebook and email; still waiting to hear from him.  For now, let's have a look at Buddha.

See?  Contrary to common Western misconceptions, Buddha is not a cannibal.  In fact, he's apparently showing the position of abhayamudra, for kindness and fearlessness.  I think we can get along after all, Mr. Gautama.