Borobodur & Pramabanan temples

 We've pitched up in Central Java. Specifically we're in Yogyakarta. 

Sole purpose of coming here was to view the two UNESCO World Heritage sites at Borobodur and Pramabanan. 

Yep, that's right, TWO of the blighters.

But before we get on to the UNESCO splendour, a quick word about Yogyakarta.

It's Java's second city (after Jakarta) and expectations were high when we arrived.

However......

The local government in Yogyakarta have, for 'religious reasons' passed a law banning the sale of alcohol in convenience stores.  The cafés and restaurants were, in the main, quick to follow.

Now, if you've been with the blog for any length of time, you'll be aware of what a blow this has been to us.

Thus far, we've found one restaurant that sells beer. It has a pitifully small menu and is situated in an alleyway where the rats run freely across the telegraph wires.

We've been every night so far....

To business then. 

Naturally, with TWO UNESCO jobs to view, it was an early start. 

First stop: Borobodur. 

A Buddhist temple, famed for its lattice work stupas.

The entrance fee for the two UNESCO sites combined was $40. 

Eyebrows were raised, but surely this was an indicator of the quality of what lay beyond the entrance gate.

Heartbreakingly, once we'd stumped up the fee, we learned that the temple was closed 'for cleaning' and we could only walk around the outside.

Compare and contrast the advertising brochure with the meagre fare that we were left with.

The promised view.

What you're allowed to see.

JB reckoned that there was a hilltop nearby from where we could catch a sneaky glimpse of the (paid for yet undelivered) glory. 

On we climbed, through the heat and humidity, until at last, the hilltop came into view.

Imagine our disappointment to see this:

We walked back to the car (hired for the day  complete with driver, improbably named Andy).

Neither of us said anything, but the words 'rotten swizz' hung heavy in the air.

On then, to site number 2, Pramabanan. 

Allegedly the largest Hindu temple in SE Asia, although JB is sceptical about this.

As we approached the first temple, dedicated to Shiva, a fragile shoot of hope began to emerge.

The temple complex certainly looked impressive.....

Sadly, it wasn't to be. 

Can you guess what day it is???

So, on we stumbled, gnashing teeth and bitterly regretting that rash $40 spent on tickets.

There were 3 other temples on the site, in various states of disrepair. (They get a LOT OF earthquake and volcano activity round here)

I don't intend to inflict them all on you, but here's a selection of what we saw:

Obviously, there were some nicer bits, but you know me......

I leave you with a view of what appeared to be a temple dedicated to those who've joined witness protection.