Lunch was superb. The food delicious and different. Dancing girls and Javanese music. Followed by a walk through a garden with exotic flowers and birds.
A great day.
Java, Borobudur – down to earth and off to lunch.
Unbelievable Java – Spectacular Buddhist temple of Borobudur
Java – Borobudur – Spectacular – climbing up into the massive temple complex.
Java – Arriving at the most amazing Borobudur Temple
Java – Driving through the interior – photography.
Java – Arriving in the morning glow to a welcome on the quay.
Some more photos and thoughts from Java.
These shots were mainly taken through the window of a moving coach So I apologise for the quality but they do seem to me to give an impression of various aspects of the country.
Paddy fields were evident throughout the country. The volcanic soil was very rich.
The country is quite poor with a large agricultural population. It was common to see families on scooters, sometimes with as many as three kids perched among the adults. This seems very dangerous and precarious to us but is just part of the way of life in many eastern countries.
The natural world is in retreat but it is still there.
There is evidence of past civilisations who have fallen into decay.
Poverty is prevalent. Whenever they see foreigners, with our huge wealth, they are desperate to sell us their tourist trivia and trinkets. You can see the desperation on their faces.
The locals are friendly.
Islam has largely replaced Buddhism.
Is there anything we can learn from the rise and fall of civilisations and religions??
Java – More Photos of the magnificent Buddhist Temple of Borobudur
Java – The Majestic Buddhist Temple of Borobudur
Once standing on an island in the middle of a lake the fantastic temple laid buried under volcanic ash for centuries. Now dug out and restored it is a treasure trove of images, statues, friezes and splendour. It rivals Angkor Wat for its awe and wonder. We spent hours climbing up on it and looking out towards the surrounding volcanoes. Magnificent.
