Semarang, Java, Indonesia

Arrived in Java at the Port of Semarang today. This island has long been a center of Hindu-Buddhist empires. It now has a Muslim presence that blends with the island to create a rich history and culture that you can feel. Java was once an important trade center for the Dutch East India Company in the 17th and 18th centuries.
As we drove outside the city, we headed to Borobudur, the largest Buddhist monument in the world dating back to the 8th and 9th centuries. Upon arriving, we were given special woven sandals so that our shoes did not wear down the stones. Then, the local guides led us through the monument, providing us with details/history of the site. Amazing to think it was buried under volcanic ash until it was discovered in 1815 and restored with the help of UNESCO in the 70s.

It is hard to describe the over whelming feelings we had when we first saw it, let alone the amazement when we climbed and walked around the upper levels. Borobudur was built by hand, without any mortar, from local volcanic rock that was carried from the mountain 40 Km away, It has over 49 million stones that make up 9 stacked platforms (6 square, 3 circular) topped with a central dome. You walk up clockwise via stairs viewing 2, 672 reliefs, 504 Budda statues along the paths. The central dome is surrounded by 72 Buddha statues, each seated inside a perforated stupa for a total of 73.
Upon descending, our guides hosted a lovely luncheon for us over looking the monument. We are glad to have the opportunity to visit such an incredible site.
Finished the night off with an amazing Singer, Ben Mills, from Australia.Read more