My Big Buddah & the Unplanned Moments of Life

After finishing the workshops in Hong Kong I was introduced to some possible site seeing opportunities in the area. Some of my new friends were sharing about a quick ferry ride from HK to an island near by where one can take a bus or cable car up the peak to a Buddhist Temple. Evidently at the top of the peak there is an incredibly large statue of Buddha.

That was enough to inspire me towards the adventure. The following morning I decided to casually go about my day with no plans other than to attempt this ferry ride & see how far I would get.

Now may be a good moment to mention that when I travel I tend to find the idea of having minimal plans fantastic. Needless to say, I found the ferry launch and while awaiting the boarding time I happened to sit next to an incredibly friendly couple named Yvone & Michelle from Seoul, South Korea. Here is a picture of them:

Come to find out, Yvone runs a Pastoral Counseling center in Seoul called Seoularium Counseling. It was such a nice surprise to connect and learn about their work & life in Seoul. Michelle is a jazz pianist! It seems that the universe continues to direct me to connect with amazing people who are helping make the world a more peaceful place!

After our leisure stroll along the beach I found out the departure center for the buses leading up to the Temple. That’s when I decided to give my new friend Irvin a call; Irvin works at Treasure Island and adventure therapy site on Lanteau. He was just passing by the bus center in time to scoop me up for a ride around the island! My surprise adventure landed me on an incredible beach at sunset where the staff of TI greeted me with incredible friendliness & hospitality.

Irvin introduced me to Currin Cooley, an American born but International minded gentleman who is doing fantastically exciting research in New Zealand. Currin’s dissertation is focused on Cross-Cultural aspects of Adventure Therapy .What a treat to sit and chat about Adventure Therapy across cultures! I am so impressed with the work he is doing and the partnership between he and TI which has led them even now to mainland China to incorporate more community work and adventure therapy for youth. Currin. . . Wherever you are in the world: Please keep us posted on your findings and Thank You for doing this exciting research!  Your stories and experiences are an inspiration

While enjoying the time at Lanteau Island I was so content meeting such kindred spirits. And I was reassured that sometimes the best and richest moments in life are the ones unplanned. It was an amazing lesson for me that my Big Buddah on Lanteau Island came in the form of a Phillipino, an American-Kiwi & a gorgeous beach sunset! Live in the unplanned moments!