Chipshot wrote:

Marlene, were those monks intended to be humorous?

I don't think so -- this is the 10000 Buddhas Monastery at Sha Tin... this particular shot is at the top on the last leg into the temple area. I understood the replica's were tributes and a source of income for the monastery. All the features were different, from 'pensive' to 'joyful', different body types, different poses, some had props like hats, etc.

The monastery at the top of a hill (10000 steps? for 6' type people that could take 2 at a time image, 15000 for me) is several buildings and structures surrounding the temple. There are monkeys in the trees around the monastery that come out to get a share of the past prime fruit that's left as offering in the temple. On the path up to the monastery - these buddhas are on both sides all the way up (and down a different path we took) - has several signs on how to avoid conflict with the monkeys: no eye contact, no sudden or aggressive movements.... I had never seen monkeys anywhere other than a zoo, so they were the 'icing' to a very pleasant day.

RedTape: I think I know the photo you're talking about, and yes it looks like he's talking on a cell phone - the one I liked best has his head tilted 'just so' and it looks like he's giving directions or telling you a joke.