September 2000 - Borobudur, Central Java, Indonesia After two days in Kaliurang, we split for one of the great wonders of the world, the immense temple of Borobudur.  Like Prambanan, it is almost impossible to describe the grandeur of Borobudur.  This colossal pyramid-like structure, built between 750 and 850 AD is one of the greatest Buddhist monuments in Southeast Asia.  We ripped oursleves out of bed at 5:00 a.m. to experience the wonder of sunrise at Borobudur.  We were again fortunate to have the temple almost exclusively to ourselves as we wandered around the six square terraces that lead up to the top three circular terraces.  The few visitors at Borobudur seemed to sprint directly to the peak bypassing the 2,672 narrative and decorative panels and 504 Buddha statues that adorn the nine levels.  These panels and reliefs depict in amazing detail various doctrines of Buddhist teachings and many aspects of Javanese life 1,200 years ago.  The

Each of these stupas or Buddhist monuments on the top level of Borobudur holds a statue of the Buddha.

top of Borobudur provided stunning views of the surrounding rice paddies and mountains.  As we left, humbled by the man-made splendor of Borobudur, we were unaware of the natural splendor that awaited us at our next destination, the Dieng Plateau.

The entrance to the Borobudur Temple.

Brian standing on the second level.  Walking around each level of the monument is like reading a book.  The story unfolds chapter by chapter, you are drawn into the plot and as you reach the end, you feel satisfied as only a good book or an incredible monument can satisfy.

The top level of Borobudur with its graceful, bell-shaped stupas.

A stone carving of an apsara or heavenly nymph bathed in the golden light of the morning sun.

The four photographs shown below are excellent examples of the fine stone friezes that adorn the walls of the various levels of Borobudur.  The lower levels depict everyday life of the Javanese, the middle levels show mighty battles and the upper levels depict religious scenes from Buddhist doctrine.  These carvings are exquisite in detail and craftsmanship and they were our favorite aspect of our visit to Borobudur.  Karen was particularly enamored with the frieze of a boat a sea, pictured below.

Steps leading up to the top level.  It is appropriate to walk around each level clockwise, always keeping your right side facing toward the monument.  As we were informed in Sri Lanka, this is the correct way to walk around any Buddhist monument as it keeps the left side, the unclean side, away from the holy site.

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