Borobudur Temple

http://picasaweb.google.com/111926669880466215152/BorobudurTemple?authkey=Gv1sRgCML2yO-Bp6fdkAE&feat=directlink

This morning we got up early (4.30am) to visit Borobudur Temple. Whilst not exactly serene - there were quite a few school groups as there are many Tourists from around Indonesia - the temple was still breath taking. Literally. The steps are incredibly steep!

The temple is Buddhist and about 1000 years old. It has been extensively restored, and I think will continue to be because there is nothing holding the stones together.

At first I was overwhelmed by the edifice as a whole but after the initial shock and awe there is time to examine the reliefs carved into the walls which are equally impressive, more so considering the length of time they have survived.

On the bus journey back we passed part of the area devastated by the eruption of the Gunung Merapi volcano in whose shadow Borobudur was built. The eruption caused the evacuation of 350,000 people and the deaths of 353 who stayed behind mainly due to pyroclastic flows (thanks Wikipedia). A pyroclastic flow was what probably caused the sudden death and burial of the inhabitants of Pompei on the side of Mount Versuvius. From what i saw today I could well believe it. There was boulders half the size of some of the houses here, shops full of a wave of ash and even an entire river valley filled with ash.

As this is the internet I also wanted to mention the fantastic place I am staying at, Delta Homestay (it's in the Lonely Planet). The rooms are simple but surround a very nice pool and breakfast and afternoon tea are included. Even when we got on the bus at the crack of dawn today they gave us a "Breakfast Box" with bread, a hard boiled egg, a banana, water, butter and jam! I am staying in a room with shared bathroom overlooking the pool for Rp 95000 per night.