Monk-ing Around at Borobudur on Wesak Day

I've been to Borobudur countless times. I seriously lost count. Normally I go there to bring friends and family who came all the way from Malaysia. But yesterday we went to witness the celebration of Wesak Day. I went last year but this year I decided to go again just for fun.

The day started out misty and cool. We arrived around 730am. The sun was barely up but visitors were coming by bus loads. The ticket for today was Rp23000 (local price). I'm not sure how much other foreigners paid but normally the tix is USD$10. We paid local price cos we were foreign students studying in Indonesia. Before going up the steps heading towards Borobudur we were asked to wrap a piece of sarong around our waist out of respect.

Monks and buddhists gather at Candi Mendut at 8am and start walking towards Candi Borobudur. The walks takes about 3 hours. While they are walking the stage at Borobudur was still being set up. We took this opportunity to take photos. At that time the weather was still cool but as the sun started to rise above our head we were getting anxious cos it was hotttt! We didn't bother going up Borobudur cos the all of us has been there before. 

After waiting for 2 hours we were getting thirsty and hungry. Unfortunately they were not selling food in the compounds of Borobudur so we had to go out to find food. After drinking a refreshing es kelapa muda we headed towards Borobudur yet again. Penattttt kayyy! Naik turun twice!

Thank goodness the event was about to start when we came back. No more waiting! First there was the small food offering. Then some of the monks gather to pray onstage. 

We decided to go back around 1pm and not stay till evening. The event was much longer. In the evening there will be an opening speech, the monks & buddhists will gather and pray together. But the biggest highlight of it all is the candle procession and the release of 1000 lampions into the air to symbolize the lighting of the universe. Maybe we'll stay for that next time.

We were at least one shade darker but it was worth it. =)

World Dance Day 2011

World Dance Day (International Dance Day) has been celebrated on April 29 every year. Honestly, I just found out about it this year. Mainly because a friend was performing for this event. World Dance Day has been celebrated on April 29 through promotion by the International Dance Council, an umbrella organization within UNESCO. 

So this year, my friends and I travelled all the way from Yogyakarta to Solo to support a friend who not only danced but also choreographed the dance in honour of representing Malaysia. The event in Indonesia was held at Institut Seni Indonesia, Solo.

By the time we arrived in Solo, it was raining heavily.

Performance by 'Waria' (transvestites)

Nathan (circled) was dragged on stage to dance with the transvestites. Hehe.

 Peformance by high school students from Bandung.

This dance was called 'Freedom'

Last but not least, performance by my friend. 

Wanted to post more pictures but this was the best shot for his performance.

Something unexpected happened on the way back from Solo to Yogyakarta. Our car died in the middle of the road at 4.00am. So there we were, 5 girls & 2 guys trying our best to push the car and trying to start the car. There wasn't any problem with the battery, water level and the oil tank was still full. 

So why didn't the car start? 

We were pretty much stranded in the wee hours of the morning with no mechanic to contact. We finally got hold of the owner of the car rental and he told us that the car had a GPS tracking system and its was switched off or something like that. So the car died because it was switched off. Ehh? 

In the end we waited for 4 hours till the owner came with another car for us and deal with the car that wouldn't start. What a day....

One Hour Motorbike Ride Just For Seafood!

My friends (Wafa, Muna & Amir) and I went on a one hour motorbike ride to the beach just to eat seafood yesterday. But it was definitely worth it! Minus the part that our butts were cramped and my back hurts trying my best to sit slightly straight so that my *ahem-ahem* didn't touch Amir's back. Haha! 

The beaches in Yogya are not of the 'Places you have to visit before you die' kind. We just go there when we're either feeling bored or when we wanna eat fresh seafood. Anyway, we arrived at the beach about 2 hours before sunset. The first thing we did was go to the market and bought the fishes, squid, clamps & prawns that we wanted to eat. It was about 1kg of squid, 0.5kg clamps, 1kg of prawns and 7ounces of fish. Then we picked a place to eat and tell them how we want the seafood to be cooked.

While waiting for the food to be cooked, we took pictures & enjoyed our Es Kelapa Muda. Yummm!

Es Kelapa Muda

A jumping picture is always a must at the beach

Me attempting to do a somersault

Amir merenung masa depan. Haha!

Yayyyyy! The food is ready!

 From top left to the bottom: Udang goreng tepung, Sotong masak Padang, Udang masak asam pedas, Sotong goreng mentega & ikan bakar. The clamps were cooked with oyster sauce (not pictured)

 The four of us finished it all!

Burp!

Alhamdulillah.

;P