Java Jaunts

Another week, another medley of adventure. Eeee, getting better at this blog malarkey, eh?
Well, we come bearing tales of Java, a larger island to the west of Bali. We had been warned of the Javanese people…how they were bad and ‘of different decent’ to the Balinese. Cynical as I was, once that many people tell you to ‘be careful’, you really think may have to…but then again, people say that about the Welsh (no offence, Jeff), and they are actually alright. For you see, Bali is predominately Hindu, whereas good ol’ Java is mainly Muslim. Basic racism slowly becomes apparent. Everyone here (as I suspected) as lovely and simply as inquisitive and friendly as those in Bali – it is just many women wear headscarf’s, whereas in Bali, there were offerings of flowers in bamboo leaf bowls scattered all over the show in Bali. It is true, Bali was perhaps a bit more magical with its impromptu temples sprouting out everywhere (even being converted into tourist accommodation), but there aren’t any stray dogs desperately trying to inflict rabies on us in Java. Just the call to prayer at 4.30am.

Prodolingo – a day there was interesting. Waiting for the night bus to Jogjakarta, we went for an explore around this little town in East Java – and we experienced what it may well be like to be minor celebrities! Quietly, entering into the town square, we see some sort of Scout event with several schools standing to attention whilst the local governor gave a particularly stern sounding speech (local and general elections are coming up in Indonesia next month). But, slowly, we became the centre of attention for about 40 or more children (difficult to discern whilst teetering on a kerb), and slowly, they surrounded and pounced. Hundreds of beady eyes came ever closer, then ‘click, click, click’ of cameras began…cute but relentless, to say the least! Felt a bit weird having so many people staring at you…and then they all got load and excited, so Klo, Sami and I were escorted out of the park!!

Then to Yogya – the cultural heart of Java, according to the bible (Lonely Planet, obviously). Four days to play and investigate the famous temples around and about. But Sami began to feel somewhat under the weather. Being the good friends we are, Klo and I recommended a day in bed for Sami and a day out on a bejak (bicycle powered carriage – poor bloke) around the city for us. We saw a puppet maker, cruised about the city and saw batik, the local print of Indonesia where wax is placed on the fabric, thus protecting the pattern from the dye it is then dipped into, viewed the government exhibition of student art from across Indonesia, and treated ourselves to a piece of batik artwork – mine pictures Rama and Sinta, the Indonesian equivalent of Romeo and Juliet, but a tale of a Hindu decent, as opposed to the Bard. Then munched on the fine foods of a street vendor with some people we had picked up on the way….and ate the most delicious deep fried doughnut thingy, ever! Yum!

Alas, on our return, the Sami-Salts was looking to hot. Turns out, flowing an injection in the arse and a thorough going-over by the doctor, that she had Gastroenteritis. Poor sod. Must have been that cheese sandwich! Haha. A course of anti-biotics and tedium was prescribed. Next day, I went to Prambanana, a massive Hindu temple top the east of Yogya. Got the public bus with the locals (3000RP – about 20p) for an hour bus out to the temples. And they were stunning. Amazing to just potter about and absorb the atmosphere of such striking architecture. And I looked like a hippy with fisherman trousers, white cotton top (think Enrique Iglesias), beads and bangles. Groovy baby.
Sunday. Sami is feeling significantly better, s a trip out to Yogya palace to see a classical dance was on the cards. And we were accosted by several members of the public for a photo with them (more celebrity moments – they begin to grate after a while). Then a water castle, purchasing of leather bags, getting my nose pierced and some ice-cream from McDonalds (it cannot be helped after a while. Only my second one, mind!). Lovely times and lovely day.
Last day in Yogya today and we went out to Borobudur temple – the Buddhist temple that has been acknowledged as a World Heritage site, and built around 650-850 AD. Massively impressive and beautiful….see what Cambodia has to challenge it!! Got chatting to a female monk whilst knocking about the symbolic nirvana point and she is one of 6 Buddhist monks in Thailand, and there are only 2 in Indonesia! She is leading the monk revolution for more lady monks! Hurrah! Hehehe. The Ozzie guy was obviously just taking his trip to the temple a bit serious – he donned an orange robe and EVERYTHING! Hahahaha – good one Klo, he has actually been a monk for 14 years! Hahahahahahaha.

Off to Jakarta now…then Singapore on Wednesday! WE LOVE INDONESIA. Although I could kill for a bowl of cereal.