The first trip I did to SE Asia was back in 1996. I had been living in New Zealand for a couple of years and decided to take the long route back to Europe. One of the most beautiful places along the way was Borobudur, a 9th Century Temple near Yogyakarta, South central on the Island.
The journey out was through a mix of dense forest and padi fields, and I couldn’t help taking a photo of the guy who managed the passengers on the bus. A conductor we would call him. He had the ring that he would beat rhythmically against the metal pole in the doorway,
The temple itself was immense, and stunningly details with a mass of stupors and buddhas across the top that made for some wonderful photos. It has the distinction of being the world’s largest Buddhist Temple.
As you can also see, it is surrounded by lush flowing hills, forest and paddy fields, beauty and tranquility.
firehorseworld 
Indonesia is an area of the world I know very little about. In your photographs, it looks very exotic.
LikeLiked by 1 person
It was, I am going to put up some more photos, and start writing the narrative of that journey. I have some great shots of the Island of Lombok! It was a different time then. Suharto was still in power, it wasn’t a democracy, but you wouldn’t have known. Ah fond memories….
LikeLiked by 1 person
These are stunning structures and I wonder what It took to create them. The giant Buddha is phenomenal. I’ve always loved the story of Siddharta and one day, I can pay homage to him when I get a chance.
LikeLiked by 2 people
The added bonus was we got to drive past an active volcano that day. It was spewing lava down it’s sides. That was a good day!
LikeLiked by 2 people
Awesome. What volcano was that?
LikeLike
You know, it was a while ago.. I will have to check my journal for that one.
LikeLike
Krakatoa, eat of Java?
LikeLike
No, it was another mountain, I guess more central. I’ll look it us soon as I need to go back to the journals to write the narrative for this trip. I spent three months travelling from Bali to Bangkok using only local transport. I am starting to get some of the photos up, but need to write my story as well. It’s the writing I really enjoy. I kept such details journals along the way so, I have been meaning to get this all written down for a long time, but always found an excuse. Recently I’ve realised my excuses are just letting life go by, so I am finding the time somehow!
LikeLiked by 2 people
This is a good project what you are doing. To immortalize your escapade and look back to see it with a different eye. Kudos to you. Your children will never wonder what Dad did in his hay days.
LikeLiked by 2 people
At the moment they have no idea, but as they get older I hope they will enjoy reading some of my stories..
LikeLiked by 2 people
I mean East of Java
LikeLike
Your comment about Siddartha takes me back! I remember how much I enjoyed Herman Hesse’s book when I was in high school.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Hi Liz, it was definitely a good read.
LikeLiked by 2 people