Yogyakarta Palace

It is located in the center of the city of Yogyakarta or just Yogya as the local people call it. Karaton means a place where the Ratu-king lives, other word is Kedaton, with the same meaning. In the Javanese teachings, it has a deep philosophical meaning.

The architect designer of this palace was Sultan Hamengkubuwono I himself, who was also the founder of the kingdom of NGAYOGYAKARTA HADININGRAT. His skill in architecture was appreciated by the dutch scientist - DR. Pigeund and DR. Adam who adored him as " the architect of his brother-Pakubuwono II of Surakarta".

The first king moved to his huge and magnificent Karaton on October 7, 1756. Although there are some European style of some parts of the building, structurally this is the vivid example of Javanese palace architecture.

The 14.000 sq. m of the Karaton Yogya has deep philosophical meaning with all its building, courts, carving, trees, and location. This is a Karaton full of significant symbols of human life.

Usually visitors are coming from MALIOBORO STREET, southward through the Alun-alun (north square). In order to understand perfectly well the symbolic meaning of the Karaton, one should walk from south to north. Start from Krapyak, a village of about 3 km south of Karaton.

Tanah Lot-Bali Indonesia

Bali: beautiful. Indonesians: wonderfully friendly. Weather: oh my God I am in an oven (at least I am assuming an oven gets hot; , I have never actually USED one...). I love hot weather. Loveitloveitloveit. Can't get enough of MICHIGAN in August. Bali in August, it's a bit different. Went for a long walk today, saw some postcard-perfect rice paddies and incredibly complex devotional statues on every corner, but what was going through my head? Was it, "This is incredibly beautiful and I can't wait to share this with my friends and family?" No, it was "My clothes are stifling me into an early death. Would it be culturally acceptable if I stripped naked and ran the length of Monkey Forest Road while smiling townspeople doused me with freezing cold water? "
In retrospect, the answer was probably "No". Ooops. Margaret Mead will be VERY disappointed in me....

Trip to Ubud-Bali Indonesia

Bali is amongst the best places to visit! It’s full of culture and warmth. The people are the friendliest you will ever meet!

We stayed in Ubud at a lovely resort called Sahadewa Resort. We spent the first day walking around - going to the monkey forest, massage, going to Goa Gajah = the Elephant Caves and then heading for lunch by the rice terraces, the restaurant is called Cahaya Dewata – lovely place!

Prambanan (Nice Tour)

Pramanan - temple hindouiste près de Yogya (piccasa.google.com)