Chapter 106

"Would it be possible to get down into the basement for a closer look and see some of the original structure?" Dave asked.

A slight chuckle ensued from the old man, "I don't think it's possible, my friend. No one is allowed in the basement. There is only one door that leads down into that area, and it is completely sealed off. It is quite impossible to get down there."

"Why is it sealed off?"

"I have no idea. It seems to me that it would be an interesting part of the temple’s history to include that as part of the tour, but for some reason, it was closed up long ago, before this final version of the building was ever completed. If I had to guess, I would say there must be some kind of safety or insurance concern with having people in that area."

The answer seemed to be an honest one. Still, the mysterious Buddha statue and where the temple got its money were never made clear.

"That Buddha was one of the replicas. It was not the legendary golden Buddha, but... yeah," the old man we