More Yogyakarta Experiences...

I have spent the last week exploring the nice city of Yogyakarta, Indonesia.
Located in Central Java this small city is surrounded by many temple complexes.
Many friendly locals wanna chat with the many travelers who wander past.

The food carts and small restaurants made for many great meals.
This grilled fish with BBQ sauce one of my best here.

I was very impressed with the temples just outside the city.
Highly Recommended!

Last Saturday I stumbled on a music competion with local bands playing Indonesian pop songs.
The kids were really talented and fun to watch.
Here is a sample....enjoy!

Borobudur Temple - Java Indonesia

Yesterday I rented a motorcycle and left at 5 am for the one hour drive to Borobudur Temple.

The predawn ride was chilly with patches of fog.

Borodudur was built in the 8th-9th century.
It is typical Javanese architecture with Buddhist influence.

The early morning mist was a nice change from the hot sweaty days here.

As the sun rose the light gradually changed from golden yellow to bright blue sky.

A peaceful spot for a temple.

These panels surround the temple depict the Buddhist influence.

There is no inside to this temple...all the details are on the outside levels.

Like other temples I have visited in Indonesia the stone carving is wonderful.

The are over 1400 different reliefs decorating Borobudur.

Borobudur Temple was built using over 2 million carved and fitted stones.

The traffic made riding the motorcycle in traffic was a real challenge.
Even before dawn many bicycles, motorcycles, cars, trucks and buses were racing somewhere.

Prambanan Indonesia

The huge Prambanan complex was erected in the middle of the 9th century
 – around 50 years later than Borobudur – 
but little is known about its early history. 

It’s thought that it was built by Rakai Pikatan to commemorate the return of a Hindu dynasty to sole power in Java.

Inside the temples is just as nice as the outside.

Candi Shiva Mahadeva

This temple, dedicated to Shiva, is not only the largest of the temples but also the finest.

The detailed stone carving is everywhere.

The main spire soars 47m and dominates the skyline.

It is best to visit in the early morning to avoid the heat and crowds.

Right next door is Candi Sewu

The ‘Thousand Temples’, dating from around AD 850, originally consisted of a large central Buddhist temple surrounded by four rings of 240 smaller ‘guard’ temples.

The renovated main temple has finely carved niches around its inner gallery – these niches once held bronze statues.

One of the guards at the entrance.

Check back often as next I will visit more temple complexes here in Central Java.

Singapore photos...

A few reflections on my visit to Singapore.
Little India was the perfect location to explore this interesting country.
The food here is so wonderful..the local people are also great.

Singapore was a great walking city with interesting parks, temples and neighborhoods.

A shoe store in Little India.

The mix of cultures made for great photo safari.

These little tourist shops were everywhere..

This is my screen saver for now.

I did not try...but I will...

 Chinatowns Budda Tooth Relic Temple was the best we saw here.
A service was going on as we entered.
So cool!

Inside the temple.

On the roof of the temple.
We spent several hours here wandering and taking photos.

I love this one..

In the morning I am off to Indonesia..
bookmark the blog and check back often for updates.

Chinatown, Singapore

After 2 days of Indian food we were ready for something different.
A quick MRT ride took us to Chinatown.
What a contrast to Little India....different people, smells and architecture.
Singapore has been great so far.

Tonights dinner...soo good!
Tiger beer is one of the better beers in Asia.

The Chinese seem to be captivated by money.
There are symbols of prosperity everywhere.

Here is Jelli in front of a great old Chinese building.
Too bad is was raining and grey all day.

Keep checking back as we have a few more days to explore Singapore...