Close to Yogyakarta on the Island of Java, Indonesia...
Prambanan Hindu Temple built in the 9th Century
Prambanan Hindu Temple built in the 9th Century
This is a slide from December 1972, showing Pieter's adopted daughter Lizzy when we was almost 9... their first trip to Indonesia to advise the mushroom project.
On May 8 of 1983, when I got to see it for the first time, they were renovating it.
The Prambanan Temple is the largest Hindu Temple complex in Indonesia.
In the 16th Century it got completely knocked down and buried, due to a massive earthquake and only got rediscovered in 1811.
It took another 100 years before they finally started to restore it; after first lots of things had been looted or stones being used for foundation stones as building material...
From a post card as we were unable to make an undisturbed photo without scaffolds.
In 1991 it became a UNESCO World Heritage Site
Interesting facts about Prambanan click link
Pieter in his batik shirt, standing in the center left of this photo...
This one I took from above and you can see a bit more of the renovation going on
Our then super8 film camera, but from the 3 films we had, 2 cartridges got lost by Kodak...
Above me you clearly can see how the story of the Ramayana got carved out in stone.
Short YouTube video: Prambanan Temple Compounds (UNESCO/NHK)
An amazing temple, it deserves to be on the Unesco Heritage list.
ReplyDeleteDearest Sami,
DeleteIt sure does and on April 27, 1991 it would get opened by the President... A disastrous day for Pieter but that story comes May 22nd.
Hugs,
Mariette
It's truly amazing what past generations were able to create. It's one thing when such magnificent architecture is lost to natural disasters, but truly inconceivable when damage is done because of war and man's inability to live and let live in peace. As usual you have some really wonderful photos. Hope things warm up for you over there so that bike rides can commence once again. Take care.
ReplyDeleteDearest Tammy,
DeleteYes, one can give kudos to the people of that era for creating such astonishing buildings with little means!
You in your travels have seen this too.
It is indeed a loss to humanity if such buildings get destroyed...
The weather is warming up nicely here, yesterday was already a lot more pleasant.
Hugs,
Mariette
Amazing architecture. Pity you lost two films, Mariette. You have great memories though, I'm sure.
ReplyDeleteGod bless always.
Dearest Victor,
DeleteThe architecture is indeed amazing, especially for back then!
It was sad for having lost those films but we both have lots of memories.
Hugs,
Mariette
Hello Mariette, Those Hindu/Buddhist temples that were lost and later recovered in Indonesia, Thailand and Cambodia (among possibly other places*) are beyond amazing with their intricate carvings and general aspect. You were lucky to see them when you did, because, as with most things, as time goes by there is less access, more crowds, and more corny light-and-sound shows and things like that added.
ReplyDelete--Jim
Dearest Jim,
DeleteYes, when we went it was not yet renovated but so pure and near it all for touching and viewing. That has ended and as you say, it does often subtract from the original beauty.
Hugs,
Mariette
Awesome buildings!
ReplyDeleteDearest Anne,
DeleteYes, that sure was an awesome experience too.
Hugs,
Mariette
What a magnificent temple, Mariette! Thank you for sharing yet another marvelous journey with us.
ReplyDeleteBlessings!
Dearest Martha Jane,
DeleteThank you and that day's visit became indeed a very memorable one.
Hugs,
Mariette
Unbelievable photos!! I forgot to tell you I love the teacup blog header.
ReplyDeleteDearest Helen,
DeleteThank you and yes, those daffodil teacups and the vase with daffodils and yellow candles create a nice atmosphere.
Hugs,
Mariette
Bellissime foto Mariette,buona serata!
ReplyDeleteCara Olga,
DeleteGrazie per le tue parole.
Un abbraccio,
Mariette
Muy interesante ese templo. La mayoría de ellos tienen largas escaleras, para situarlos bien alto.
ReplyDeleteBesos
Querida Antónia,
Delete¡Sí, colocando simbólicamente a su Dios elevado!
Es por su edad fascinante.
Abrazos,
Mariette
How beautiful! I don't know the monument but I will take the opportunity to read more about it. It is very good when the posts awaken our interest in wanting to know more.
ReplyDeleteThank you and good week
Coisas de Feltro
Dearest Christina,
DeleteThank you and yes, there are still so many things we don't personally know about. We all learn from and by each other; till we die!
Hugs,
Mariette
What a beautiful post
ReplyDeleteDearest Jo-Anne,
DeleteThank you and indeed, your northern neighbors have a lot of culture and beauty to offer.
Hugs,
Mariette
Dear Mariette,
ReplyDeletethanks for this pictures. Sadly you lost 2/3 of your pictures.
Best regards
Bernhard
Dearest Bernhard,
DeleteThese photos are over different years...
What got lost by Kodak was 2 of our 3 Super 8 film Kodachrome cartridges.
Hugs,
Mariette