Even though i know that no one reads this blog anymore, i like to keep this as a memory of where i went to, what i did and more importantly how i felt.
Jogjakarta in Dec 2014. We wanted to go to Borobudur and boy, it was an interesting place.
On our first day, we hired a car to bring us around via the hotel. First things first, we headed to Borobudur. The biggest single structure Buddhist temple in the world, i really didn't realize what i was in for until i was there. We hired an official guide at the counter where we bought our tickets to share with us the story of the building and to teach us what we were looking at. She really wasn't very good and i will suggest that you read from a book instead.
So many people - just milling around, sitting around and climbing up the various tiers of the structure. The various levels of the structure signify the three realms of Buddhist cosmology, Kamadhatu (the world of desires), Rupadhatu (the world of forms), and Arupadhatu (the formless world). Ancient worshippers will actually take the time to gradually mediate and go through the levels one by one. Each level actually tells the story of Buddha with its various reliefs - when you reach the top, it is the formless world.
At the formless world, there are no more carvings - just the beautiful view all around.
The Buddha at the very stop of the stupa was 'kidnapped' and placed in a different location
Hungry, starving, we rushed our way to Ullen Sentalu to learn about Javanese Royalty. Lunch was a street cart which the boyfriend eyed warily despite his hunger. Ullen Sentalu was a dud. Really. At least for a person who didn't grow up as Malay. Photos not allowed inside. Guided tour - Plenty of batik, framed photos and personal letters of Javanese princes and princesses. Not worth the wait or trip.
For our last stop for the day, we went to Prambanan, an impressive complex of 240 Hindu shrines. Unfortunately, with the earthquake in 2006 despite years of restoration, one will see neat little piles of stones of shrines not yet restored. It was a rainy, muddy kinda day - and we were exhausted and hungry from the day's activities. In spite it all, we loved this beautiful and peaceful temple. Very impressive.
Hungry, starving, we rushed our way to Ullen Sentalu to learn about Javanese Royalty. Lunch was a street cart which the boyfriend eyed warily despite his hunger. Ullen Sentalu was a dud. Really. At least for a person who didn't grow up as Malay. Photos not allowed inside. Guided tour - Plenty of batik, framed photos and personal letters of Javanese princes and princesses. Not worth the wait or trip.
For our last stop for the day, we went to Prambanan, an impressive complex of 240 Hindu shrines. Unfortunately, with the earthquake in 2006 despite years of restoration, one will see neat little piles of stones of shrines not yet restored. It was a rainy, muddy kinda day - and we were exhausted and hungry from the day's activities. In spite it all, we loved this beautiful and peaceful temple. Very impressive.
Inside the Shrine
Hotel shower for our room stopped working that night. :( No water !
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