When I was going through old photos last week, I came across this one from my travels across Asia in 1991. The thing is, I don’t remember this photo. My mother took it, so there’s a chance we didn’t get around to sharing all of our photos from that trip. Or perhaps I simply forgot about this one.
It was taken in Borobudur on Java. This Buddhist temple was built in the 9th century, abandoned in the 14th century, and rediscovered in the 1800s.
My mother and I set off on an afternoon excursion from Yogyakarta to see Borobudur. I remember dozens of vendors hawking souvenirs almost as soon as we stepped out of the little tour van.
The temple comprises four stories, many statues (some had lost their heads), and wall carvings that tell a story.
Two weeks later, I would travel alone to another famous Buddhist temple: Angkor Wat.
I visited there a few years ago. So curious to hear more about what traveling in Asia was like in the early 90’s.
Thank you! I’ll try to post more about Asia in the early 90s. I’m so glad you find it interesting, too! That’s very cool you were at Borobudur, too. I’ve heard it hasn’t changed much over the decades.
I really like that picture, honestly, it’s surreal. 🙂 It’s good to look at old photos from the past and revisit every once in a while. 🙂
Thank you, Eileen! There’s something so haunting about these old, uncovered temples in out of the way places. I remember it rained that day we were in Borobudur, so the wind must have picked up a bit then, too. For once I wish I had used a video camera!