Plaosan Temple | Prambanan Temple  |
Prambanan Temple | Prambanan Temple |
Prambanan Temple | Viggo in becek (bicycle transport) |
Loaded ScooterCycle in Yogja | Buddhas |
K: Today we toured the first of the historic temples in the Yogyakarta area -- Prambanan. The temples were built in the middle of the 9th century to commemorate the return of a Hindu dynasty to Java. Beautiful examples of Hindu art adorn the walls of the temples. At the time Prambanan was built, Java had been ruled by Buddhists, and there are examples of Buddhism throughout the temple area. Today Java is predominantly Muslim, but it wasn't until at least the 13th century when Islam was introduced in western Indonesia.
After the temples, we toured the Kraton, the palace of the Sultans of Yogya. There have been 10 Sultans of Yogyakarta. The current Sultan seems somewhat unproductive, compared to his predecessors. He has only 5 daughters and 1 wife, whereas his father had 8 wives and 45 children, and his grandfather 75 children from 15 wives.
V: Absolutely stunning to see these Hindu temples, of such grand scale, design, and craftsmanship! Yet I was deeply saddened that there was significant alteration and damage caused by the 2006 earthquake. I am glad that an international effort is attempting to restore these temples, designated as World Cultural Heritage Sites.
Yeah, the line of Sultans sure seem to stay "busy" in Yogya, my oh my! We were in a batik artwork shop near the Kraton yesterday, and there on the wall was a photo of the shopkeeper, numerous local dignitaries, Bill Clinton, and the Sultan. The shopkeeper was quite proud of that. And, yes, Karen purchased a very nice batik artwork, at another shop.
And an employee of the shopkeeper told me that "Chuck Noorish" was his favorite actor... so he referred to me as "Chuck Noorish"... for some reason.
What an interesting city Yogyakarta truly is, as part of our tour revealed several areas off the usual tourist beat that were quite interesting, revealing glimpses of 'normal' life for our Indonesian friends. I read recently that Jakarta may be rightly considered the business and governmental center of Indonesia, yet Yogyakarta is the 'soul', the pulse, the beat of Indonesia. I think we sense it, we can feel it. It is indeed a lively place at night.
Sips: Bali Hai beer. Not much of an improvement from Bintang. Wonderful choices for fruit drinks - carrot, orange and pineapple!
Bites: A most excellent 'Rentang Padang', beef bits soaked and cooked in coconut milk, with rice and nice, spicy-hot veggies was scrumptious.
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