Seven Wonders of the World


 Borobudur Temple is one of the seven wonders of the world.  This Buddhist temple was constructed over a one hundred year period beginning in the 8th century.  It was abandoned between the 10th and 15th centuries and re-discovered in the 19th century.  This temple is considered a masterpiece of Buddhist architecture and monumental arts with over two thousand stone carved relief panels and the harmonious marriage of stupas, temple and mountain.  The ten mounting terraces of the entire structure correspond to the successive stages to reach Nirvana.   
                                                            We have reached Nirvana!

                                                    Just prior to reaching the highest level.
                                    This is an amazing place that must be seen to be believed.  


Next, we were driven through the countryside in this old Volkswagen.  Java is unlike anyplace else we have seen.  Our tour of rural Java reminded me somewhat of rural Southeastern Ohio in the 1950s-60s.  There were very modest homes with many a mere few feet from the road, garages with dirt floors and sheds with what might be considered junk but could become useful to make repairs when unable to purchase new goods.


During our drive, we caught a much closer view of the rice paddies and the people who work in them.

Along the way, we stopped for a cup at a coffee shop where they process and sell some of the most expensive coffee in the world.  Luwak coffee is a coffee that consists of partially digested coffee cherries which have been eaten by a civet. 
The cherries are fermented as they pass through the civet's intestines and you can guess what happens next.  Then they are collected and cleaned.  Luwak coffee is extremely smooth and robust at the same time.
        Just ask my personal coffee connoisseur.  In fact, she drank an arabica and I the robusto.

PrambananTemple was the backdrop for the Ramayan Ballet outdoor performance of the epic Hindu love story of Sita and Rama accompanied by a live gamelon orchestra which included ringing chimes, Indian drums and background vocals.  


It was a long day full of sights, sounds, smells and tastes.  Indonesia has a population of more than 280 million people and we have been privileged to experience a small part of their culture.

Java Jive initially became popular in 1940 and was revived by Manhattan Transfer in 1975.  Here are two verses;

I love coffee, I love tea
I love the java jive and it loves me
Coffee and tea and the java and me
A cup, a cup, a cup, a cup, a cup, boy

I love java, sweet and hot
Whoops, Mr. Moto, I'm a coffee pot
Shoot me the pot now pour me a shot
A cup, a cup, a cup, a cup, a cup




 

Comments

  1. plattsflyingdogsApril 11, 2025 at 7:42 AM

    I wonder about the discovery of the luwak coffee. Like, who first thought, maybe we should try the coffee beans after they've been digested by a civet?

    The temple is beautiful. Thank you for explaining the architectural significance and history.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Randy and Ruth AnnApril 11, 2025 at 8:26 AM

      We’re bringing home beans.

      Delete
    2. Kris T.April 11, 2025 at 12:57 PM

      I have wanted to try the Luwak coffee since first hearing of it....but my thoughts are same as Mike (I think that is who that is above)..... Also wonder: is it "all that" or not really? Also, is this most stunning temple the only remaining of the 7 wonders? I wonder.

      Delete
    3. Randy and Ruth AnnApril 11, 2025 at 5:35 PM

      The coffee is exceptional. Borobudur is not one of the original or ancient 7 wonders.

      Delete

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