Hindu Temple Site

Preview of Sabarod's blog at TravelPod. Read the full blog here: http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/sabarod/the_big_rtw/1165199820/tpod.html This blog preview was made by TravelPod using the TripAdvisor™ TripWow slideshow creator. Entry from: Yogyakarta, Indonesia Entry Title: "Buddhist vs. Hindu" Entry: "What a flight! Of all the bumpy, jumpy, turbulent flights I've been on (and we're all aware I've been on maaaany), the flight from Jakarta has to take the cake. The "slight turbulence" that the cabin crew referred to afterward only lasted about 5 minutes but people who weren't buckled in, as instructed, were thrown out of their seats while we plummeted and rocked back and forth for those five minutes. A few had what appeared to be sprains or minor injuries and ambulances were awaiting our aircraft when we landed. Whew! I've been sick with the traveler's curse for the last week or so. The normal first remedies of immodium and drinking plenty of liquids was having a nominal effect, but after a week I decided to head to the pharmacy to see if I could buy antibiotics over the counter here in Indo. I was starting to feel weaker and sleep longer. I explained my situation to a pharmacist who could speak fairly good English and she quickly brought me a packet of tablets and an English drug reference book for me to read. The book only told of maximum dosages - very little information. There were no indications on the packet - only the branded name of the drug and a warning that a Dr's prescription was required. It's like looking for aspirin and receiving a packet that says "Bayer" on it but having no idea what Bayer actually is. I didn't know if it was an antibiotic or more of the gut-paralysing drugs that I have already tried. I jumped across to the internet cafe to search for the answer - unfortunately, the only references I could find were in Bahasa (the language of Indo) and were no help. Desperate for help, I trusted the pharmacist and started taking the medication last night. We'll see! Although Yogyakarta (pronounced jogjakarta) is a fine city, the real reason for the stop here is to see some remarkable historical sites nearby. Borobudur is a grand site and a throwback to Java's Buddhist heyday. Built in the early part of the 9th century CE, the site was only rediscovered when the British were around in 1814. The site had apparently been abandoned when Java converted to Islam in the 14th century. The temple consists of six square bases ascending to three circular ones. It contains over 2,600 relief panels and over 500 Buddhas along the terraces depicting Buddhist teachings. Latticed stupas shroud 72 large Buddha images on the upper, circular levels. One is said to ascend the levels of spirituality while ascending. Also nearby, but less visited, is an ancient Hindu temple that was built 50 years after Borobudur. Prambanan consisted of more than 50 temple sites, only a few of which have been reconstructed/restored. The Shiva temple is the largest, towering 47 meters high and covered in carvings. The complex was mysteriously abandoned shortly after its completion. I arranged to see both sites in the same day and enjoyed the clear contrasts between religious architectures. It was odd to be at such a large and famous Buddhist site with no Buddhists around. After Tibet, I was used to seeing the many monks wandering around in their uniquely orange robes. As Indo today is 88% Muslim, there aren't many around to "worship" at the site - it is just a tourist attraction. Just finished a GREAT book that was a kind of departure gift from Caroline and Sean, two of the Laos crew. Shantaram (am I supposed to put that in quotes?), by Gregory Roberts is a great tale of an Ozzie armed robber who escaped from prison and moved to Bombay to eventually become part of the Indian mafia. War, love, adventure...it has it all. Highly recommended....thanks Caro & Sean!" Read and see more at: http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/sabarod/the_big_rtw/1165199820/tpod.html Photos from this trip: 1. "Yogy" 2. "A Yogy" See this TripWow and more at http://tripwow.tripadvisor.com/tripwow/ta-00c9-d18e-1482?ytv4=1