Bandungan Temples

Yesterday, we went hiking on one of the local mountains to see some ancient Hindu temples.

The above photo is hysterical on a few levels. Allow me to explain. We all wanted a group shot of us sitting on the ancient temple. Phil set our camera on a rock and set the timer. He then began his run around the shrubbery to his preordained position with the rest of us... when he slipped and fell on the slick, mossy pathway. It was one of those cartoon-like, slow motion, multi-staged falls... replete with scattered personal effects. The photo took, but each person in our group has this look of shock and concern on their faces... except one of our friends, who was VERY focused on smiling for the camera (she is sitting at the top, in one of the little alcoves, originally intended for idols). We have teased her relentlessly for her devotion to a good photo. She didn't even blink when phil went flying across the pathway - she just kept a steady eye, and an unwavering smile on that blinking timer light. Phil was fine, and we all had a good laugh - I was personally glad that it wasn't me for a change... I'm tired of falling and making a buffoon of myself. It was time for fate to give phil a turn. Also, it has made for an excellent memory-photo. Every time we see that photo from now on, i'm pretty sure i'll giggle like i did the first time... with the thought of phil flailing his arms and tumbling down the pathway, while extra batteries and sunglasses are flung across the sacred lawn of the ancient temple.

The view of our Merababu from atop another mountain.

One of the many workers who tend the gardens on the mountainside.

Merababu is peeking through the clouds in the background of this photo. These temples were built somewhere between 600-700AD.