Travel Maximus

I decided to put on my vagabond shoes and headed toward a Buddhist Monastery known as the ‘City of Ten Thousand Buddhas’, not in any Asian or Southeast Asian Countries but, in Ukiah, CA. I drove through the Marshes of Highway 37 and veered north on highway 101 where, upon having passed Santa Rosa, the beautiful green mountains, lonely farm houses and weekend mansions of the affluence peppered along the highway.

Three hours later, I was in Ukiah, CA. Another 2 miles east of Ukiah, There it is, the sacred “City of Ten Thousand Buddhas”. I am lost for words.

The Holy Gate of the City of Ten Thousand Buddhas.

Travel Maximus has found Nirvana.

I drove slowly through the gate while admiring the Holy presence lay before me. A sign states that all visitor my register inside the administration building, which is directly on the right of my path.

As I parked the park and headed toward the aged administration building, I can see a Buddhist Nun walking toward the the door from the inside and I can see her carrying a box. I rushed up to get the door for her. She started greet in English with amiable Chinese accent and asked me of my ethnic origin as well as my hometown. Immediately, we bonded like old friends who just found each other again after years of disconnect. Then she offered to give a personal tour of the City (in my car as the Monastery is quite spacious).

Nun Hunei giving a personal tour of the City of Ten Thousand Budhhas

I was so excited. I was like a joyful kid who just got locked in the candy store. Nun Hunei was so sweet, energetic and proud to show her sacred home where she lives and practice Buddhism. Nun Hunei is 63 years old. 40 years ago, Nun Hunei arrived in Ukiah, CA and became a loyal disciple of Chan Buddhism. She was 23 years old. Nun Hunei’s Father was interred in the Monastery.

As we headed toward my car, a 1981 Mercedes 300SD Turbo Diesel, “What a beautiful car!” Nun Hunei exclaimed. “Actually, mam, it is 36 years old car. It is quite old for a car” I humbly replied. “You took good care of it!” She continued. I politely thanked her – but I never told her that the car is very special to me as it runs the bio-diesel fuel that I made in my back yard.

Nun Hunei can NOT sit in the front seat because I am a man. There is a clear line of separation between man and woman is Buddhism. Nun Hunei sat in the back seat diagonal from me where I can see her giving the tour.

I drove very slowly to listen to her stories and narration. Then Nun Hunei became very excited when she saw a pack of deer. The entire family was before us. “This is very Auspicious!. This is rare. They are around but we hardly see them this many together. Very Auspicious time for you”

Deers in the City of Ten Thousand Buddhas

Even the Deers are happy, healthy and carefree.

After a short, slow drive, Nun Hunei yelled out again “Turkey! all animals are out to welcome YOU! this is very special” I genuinely felt the warmth and sincerity of this special visit.

There was a family of about 8 turkeys and they were so friendly.

Within the City of Ten Thousand Buddhas, the gardening is quite self-sufficient. The Monastery makes its own compost for its edible vegetables.

After another short drive, Nun Hunei pointed out the buildings where it house the male students and female students. There can never be a direct communication between the man and woman students, not even email or text. If such communication between the two are required, then a third person must be present.

City of Ten Thousand Buddhas Buildings.

Nun Hunei asked me to stop the car at a patch of open field.

Special Green for Salad. It was so light and crunchy. Very tasty for Salad. Absolutely delicious.

Nun Hunei stepped out of the car and proceeded to search for a type of green vegetable that is flourishing in the ground from a soaking rain. Nun Hunei was so enthusiastic about the vegetable she picked that she asked me to eat it. I am a foodie so I did. I love it. It is perfect for salad and they are everywhere!

Our last stop is the water tank! Nun Hunei left nothing out in the tour.

City of Ten Thousand Buddhas never had water shortage. It is blessed.

Since the inception, The City of Ten Thousand Buddhas never had problem with water. It is blessed with water abundance.

We finally pulled into a parking lot where Nun Hunei asked everyone to get out of the car and follow her. Nun Hunei headed toward the sacred Hall. In this Hall, is where it all happens.

Hall of Worship.

I can see the hundreds and thousands of small size Buddha statues adorned the walls. I can smell the sweet scent of flowers. I can feel the peace and harmony. I can sense love. I can feel my blood pressure dropped precipitously.

City of Ten Thousand Buddhas – Hall of Worship

I decided to take a few pictures and record the beautiful chanting pray – then, I myself, assumed a prostrated position and prayed to my ancestors and especially my recent loss Father.

After a few minutes, a young lady approached me to ask me to move to the left isle of the room as I was in the woman side. I didn’t know. I politely complied. Also, I was asked, out of respect, do not take pictures of the Monks and Nuns in frontal position. That would be disrespectful. Hence, Nun Hunei was kind, understanding and more than willing to show us the way of Buddhism.

After praying, we went back to the car. I dropped off Nun Hunei and I made a donation. Nun Hunei was indescribably special that I had difficulty saying goodbye.

Now, I am hungry. I heard of the most famous vegetarian restaurant on site and now, that I am in the ‘City’, I will not miss it. I had an idea from all the rave reviews. But I had absolutely no idea how mesmerizing-to-the-taste-buds the dishes were.

The famous Jyun Kang Vegetarian Restaurant. All vegetarian dishes are refreshingly delicious and reasonably priced.

I was starving by now. Here are the dishes du Jour! Vegetarian Ten Thousand Buddhas Style!

Tofu Appatizers. I would drive 3 hours just for the Sauce alone! it consists of Peanut, chili, sesame oil, spices and other Dharma secrets of course.

Deep fried tofu in black bean sauce.

Vegetarian Wonton Soup

After the fantastic meal, outside the restaurant, I heard to the loudes and most unique interesting call of an animal – a Peacock!

There are a few beautiful, healthy Peacocks on the Monastic ground. They are quite tamed and majestic. Stunning birds they are.

I spent the night in Ukiah, Ukiah is a very small town, quaint, quiet. I thoroughly enjoyed the serenity of the atmosphere. In the morning, after a continental breakfast, I am looking forward to heading back to Sacramento, but this time, via the idyllic highway 20 and Clear Lake as well as small towns like Nice and Lucerne along the way.

Lucerne Town

I highly recommend to anyone to take the Highway 20 for its breathtaking picturesque landscape. The green mountains, tranquil Lakes, Rustic Farms and Grazing Fields are stunningly work of art in themselves.

I decided to head south on highway 16 from highway 20 so I can feast on the last meal of the trip – a fine ending of the trip. I found my feast.

Slow cooked Ribs.

Beer battered fish and fried chickens.

Prime Rib and Roast Turkey. Prime Rib was overcooked! …..Security!!!!

Ok, No. I am not done yet. Dessert!

I would like the dark chocolate mini Eclairs please?

Cream Puffs and Cakes.

Mousse Parfait Cups!

Danish! because the world is NOT enough!

Should I or should I not? – Oui, I should!

This caps my whirlwind weekend! I thoroughly enjoyed it. I found both my ying and yang and then some from this road trip. The food is absolutely fantastic but, with all due honesty, I love the Monastery of the City of Ten Thousand Buddhas as well as the green mountains, rolling hills, glistening lakes and lone farm houses.

Until next time with Travel Maximus, Bon Voyage!