Borobudur, Yogyakarta, Java Indonesia 1988- film Feb
The bell shapes are called stupas and there is a buddha statue inside each one. It is supposed to be very lucky if you can reach though and touch the statue on the chest. None of us could, including my colleague who was very tall and thin (and long armed).
The temple had disappeared under vegetation and ash sometime after the 14th century and not rediscovered until the ate 19th century. For a long time it was just thought to be a hill in the jungle. Now it is a site that UNESCO has dedicated funds to ensure it is preserved and restored.
In 1988 I went overseas for the first time, to Indonesia for two weeks with work, part of my Indonesian language training. Seeing Borobudur, the 9th Century Buddhist temple was a dream come true for me. In grade 2 my teacher had shown us pictures of Borobudur and spoken of her time in Indonesia, from that moment I wanted to go there, to that place I had only seen in pictures. I still get a thrill from seeing a place I had only seen in pictures. It fills me with indescribable glee. There are still a lot pf places I have seen in pictures that I want to see for myself. Still many opportunities to experience that glee.
This photo was taken with a borrowed SLR, I had no idea how to use it - great idea - first time overseas, capture memories of a lifetime and using a camera I didn't really know how to use. I did have some basic understanding of aperture and shutter speed etc, very basic .... and there was no fully auto mode on the camera. After discovering these negs and scanning them tonight I am pretty pleased at how they turned out. I need to ask my sister what camera it was. The film was ISO100 by Kodak. I also found the photos I took in year 8 photography class - they only offered one semester at my school, I made a pinhole camera and shot and developed b&w, the negs are wrapped in archival paper, and I have the contact prints too. The first time I really remember using a camera was on a 1st grade excursion to the museum and my mum's retired Kodak box brownie - unfortunately the camera was disposed of when my parents sold our old house and moved. I had pulled the camera apart and put it together many times when I was about 10.
I remember getting off the plane in Jakarta, the heat was like walking into a brick wall. The culture shock was expected, but within 24 house I knew I would never get enough of traveling.
After climbing all over Borobudur we sat at a food stall where they lopped the top of fresh coconuts, put a straw in so we could drink fresh coconut juice, it was magnificent.
The first camera I used was also my mum's Box Brownie :) This one scanned perfectly! Such an interesting shot, looks like you've always had a good eye for composition.
Gosh what an amazing place - I'd never heard of it before. I know exactly what you mean about the thrill of seeing a place with your own eyes after seeing it in print! Trying to decide where to take the kids this summer....!
What an amazing view! I love the B&W, the textures... Such an interesting story behind the pic. There really is nothing like realising your dreams! (I had the same experience a couple of years ago when I visited Ningaloo Reef in WA).
Great composition! I like how you captured the texture of the first stupa and also the amazing view - all in one photo. Always enjoy reading your stories to each photo.
@palusami Tanya, yes this was from the top - or near the top. It is odd but it seems I didn't take a good shot from the bottom, only one from far away. I'd love to go back with my dslr
March 6th, 2012
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