Indonesia: Pura Taman Ayun Temple; Bali

Our next stop for a couple of nights was to be Ubud. On the way, we stopped at Pura Taman Ayan Temple in the village of Mengwi which is about 17km northwest of Denpasar. This temple complex was built around 1634 by the then ruler of the Mengwi Kingdom, Tjokerda Sakti Blambangan. It was significantly restored in 1937.

As well as some wonderful traditional architecture, we were to find expansive garden landscapes that included lotus and fish ponds… plenty of photograph opportunities.

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A small covered pavilion near the entrance.

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A guardian, suitably decorated, at one of the temple entrances.

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One of the decorative ponds that surround the temples.

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The locals leave daily offerings at strategic places dotted around the complex.

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Various traditional building styles are seen within the complex.  The terracotta coloured bricks contrast well with the grey stone carvings.

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Detail of a demon guarding the corner of a building.

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The public are not permitted to enter this sacred area. However, a high vantage point overlooks the complex giving a good idea of its extent.

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Another demon god, this time “protecting” a shop selling tourist trinkets.

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Another gate and ornate bridge over a surrounding canal.

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Towering tiers of thatched temple shrines make up most of the profile of Taman Ayun. This area was closed to the public but there were good views from outside the walls.

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This shiny mahogany-coloured beetle was attempting to get a little closer but…

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…there were steps and walls impeding its progress.

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Another view down the central axis of the complex.

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Yet another view…

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…and another.

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Detail of the intricate stone carving…

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…and some more newly restored carving.

 

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Another guardian.  Interesting but the symbolism of the detailed carving is lost me!

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The gardens are not only protected by traditional guardian stone sculptures… I think you’ll agree that the spiny stems of this palm in the gardens are not very welcoming.

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The garden surrounding the whole complex were very well maintained.  This clump of tall bamboo still retained the sheaths that protected the new emerging shoots.

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A bright yellow Heliconia stood out against its green leaves.

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Ylang ylang (Cananga odorata), is a tropical tree that originates in the Indonesia, Malaysia, and Philippines.  The green flowers slowly mature to a deep yellow with a red throat.

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Cananga odorata is valued for the essential oil that is extracted from its flowers to be used in perfumes and in aromatherapy.  This oil is credited with relieving high blood pressure, easing skin problems and is also considered to be an aphrodisiac. It’s often blended with other floral, fruit and wood scents to produce perfumes such as Chanel No. 5.

Here, in Indonesia, the flowers are traditionally spread on the bed of a newlywed couple. In the Philippines, its flowers are strung into necklaces worn by women. These strings of flowers are also used to adorn religious images.

The plant produces clusters of black fruit which are an important food item for birds, thus serving as an effective seed disperser.

This temple complex had proved to be an interesting visit on our way to our destination for the night at a resort in Ubud, Bali.  More of that anon.

David

All photographs copyright © JT  and DY  of  jtdytravels

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China: Yunnan: #8 The Zhu Garden and Mansion, Jianshui (Part d)

After enjoying the courtyards and rooms of the residence, it was time to explore the garden.

DSC00976 © DY of jtdytravels

DSC00976 © DY of jtdytravels

Another ‘moon gate’ on the way to the open garden.

DSC00977 © DY of jtdytravels

DSC00977 © DY of jtdytravels

An overall view of part of the garden

DSC00975 © DY of jtdytravels

DSC00975 © DY of jtdytravels

The paths were constantly being cleaned.

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DSC00880 © DY of jtdytravels

A wonderful old fig tree (Ficus sp.) in the outside garden

DSC01001 © DY of jtdytravels

DSC01001 © DY of jtdytravels

Criss-cross pattern formed by the roots of a large fig tree.

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DSC00979 © DY of jtdytravels

An interesting piece of dark rock with fine white intrusions used as paving.

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DSC00980 © DY of jtdytravels

A dandelion that escaped the gardener’s weeding tool!

DSC01004 © DY of jtdytravels

DSC01004 © DY of jtdytravels

Bird of Paradise flower (Strelitzia reginae)

DSC00990 © DY of jtdytravels

DSC00990 © DY of jtdytravels

Bamboo.

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DSC00999 © DY of jtdytravels

Young girls in the costume of one of the ethnic groups of Yunnan.

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DSC00981 © DY of jtdytravels

Chrysanthemums

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DSC00983 © DY of jtdytravels

And yet more Chrysanthemums

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DSC00993 © DY of jtdytravels

The lily pond is the main feature of the large garden.

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DSC00985 © DY of jtdytravels

A water lily bud about to open

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DSC00987 © DY of jtdytravels

These water lilies were at their best

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DSC00984 © DY of jtdytravels

Total perfection!

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DSC00991 © DY of jtdytravels

A sun baking tortoise gave me the eye.

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DSC00995 © DY of jtdytravels

Water plants reflected perfectly in the still water

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DSC00998 © DY of jtdytravels

Papyrus grew strongly in the shallow water at the edge of the pond.

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DSC01005 © DY of jtdytravels

Detail of papyrus

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DSC01002 © DY of jtdytravels

An outdoor setting… it didn’t look too comfortable but piles of fun!

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DSC00996 © DY of jtdytravels

This was much better… a pavilion from which to sit and survey the peaceful scene.

David

All photographs copyright © DY  of  jtdytravels

If you enjoy these armchair travels, please pass our site onto others

www.dymusings.com

more of our travel stories and photos can be found on

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More of our travel photos are on

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.

.

.

.

David

All photographs copyright © DY  of  jtdytravels

If you enjoy these armchair travels, please pass our site onto others

www.dymusings.com

more of our travel stories and photos can be found on

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More of our travel photos are on

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China: Yunnan: #2 Yunnan University and Green Lake

After lunch, we wandered off into the grounds of Yunnan University.  Pleasant surroundings and very pleasant walking under a threatening sky, temperature in mid-20’s, humidity high. Located at an altitude of 1892m (6207 ft.) and just north of the Tropic of Cancer, Kunming is often referred to as the Eternal Spring City due mainly to its weather. I’ll let my photos tell the story!

DSC00763 © DY of jtdytravels

DSC00763 © DY of jtdytravels

Yunnan University logo

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DSC00754 © DY of jtdytravels

We wandered down a beautiful avenue of Ginkgo trees.

DSC00756 © DY of jtdytravels

DSC00756 © DY of jtdytravels

A Faculty building – note the row of Zamia palms.

DSC00757 © DY of jtdytravels

DSC00757 © DY of jtdytravels

A bell tower – note sick, leafless trees in front of the tower.

DSC00758 © DY of jtdytravels

DSC00758 © DY of jtdytravels

The sick trees were being ‘treated’ by digging a hole, filling it with water and sprinkling a pink powder on the surface. What that was, I don’t know.

DSC00766 © DY of jtdytravels

DSC00766 © DY of jtdytravels

This sick plane tree was hooked up to a drip!

DSC00759 © DY of jtdytravels

DSC00759 © DY of jtdytravels

Colonial corridor in ‘The House of Huize’, built in 1923.

DSC00770 © DY of jtdytravels

DSC00770 © DY of jtdytravels

Another old building – now a restaurant.

DSC00772 © DY of jtdytravels

DSC00772 © DY of jtdytravels

Near the university is Green Lake which is surrounded by an attractive park. An ornate fence surrounds the lake.

A sign explained: “The Park was a beautiful bay on the Dianchi Lake before the Ming Dynasty and became a tourist resort at the beginning of the Qing Dynasty.  With an area of 21 ha. (52 ac.) the park is nowadays well-known for its richly ornamented traditional pavilions and palaces, blue waves and ripples, green willows, beautiful flowers, fair landscape and quiet elegance of its numerous scenes.”

DSC00798 © DY of jtdytravels

DSC00798 © DY of jtdytravels

A patch of lotus (Nelumbo nucifera) well established in a corner of the lake.

DSC00773 © DY of jtdytravels

DSC00773 © DY of jtdytravels

Lotus flower… impossible to resist a photo of this beauty.

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DSC00778 © DY of jtdytravels

Lotus flower opening up fully. Lovely contrast between petals and seed head.

DSC00775 © DY of jtdytravels

DSC00775 © DY of jtdytravels

Fallen beauty

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DSC00776 © DY of jtdytravels

A dried lotus seed head showing seeds about to be released

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DSC00784 © DY of jtdytravels

Unusual purple flowers contrasting with their silver bracts.

DSC00780 © DY of jtdytravels

DSC00780 © DY of jtdytravels

A seed-eating finch at home amongst the water plants.

DSC00795 © DY of jtdytravels

DSC00795 © DY of jtdytravels

Avenue of bamboo.

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DSC00794 © DY of jtdytravels

Bamboo graffiti

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DSC00797 © DY of jtdytravels

Even the public loo (absolutely spotless) had a dado of bamboo images.

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DSC00802 © DY of jtdytravels

A flower unknown to me!

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DSC00804 © DY of jtdytravels

Walking back towards the apartment, we saw this street sweeper taking a break.

DSC00810 © DY of jtdytravels

DSC00810 © DY of jtdytravels

Another sleepy-head !

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DSC00810 © DY of jtdytravels

We passed a small street trolley selling beautiful red ‘crinkled’ capsicum…

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DSC00809 © DY of jtdytravels

… and orange and green ones as well.

By then it was time for a break… a stop at a favourite haunt of my hosts for a coffee and half price cake (Thursday is the day for this treat).  All very pleasant, before we headed back to the apartment to sort out my washing… a much needed chore.

Kenzo cooked tea of steamed chicken and rice after which I gave myself over to diary writing on my computer. Otherwise it was the Chinese TV programmes.  They were no real distraction as I couldn’t understand a thing!  Bed and sleep came easily.

David

All photographs copyright © DY  of  jtdytravels

If you enjoy these armchair travels, please pass our site onto others

www.dymusings.com

more of our travel stories and photos can be found on

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More of our travel photos are on

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.

 

Burma – Myanmar # 15 Inle Lake; Community at Indein

While I had a quiet day at the Inle Princess Resort, David went off again in the long tail boats to explore more of Inle Lake and its villages. They left the resort quietly and sedately with the help of one of the Intha leg rowers.

But it was not long before the noisy motor was cranked into life and they sped off across the lake.

(P1020645  ©  DY of jtdytravels)

(P1020645 © DY of jtdytravels)

Their destination, on the other side of the lake, was the village of Indein.

On the way they went by a couple of other villages built partly on the land and partly over the water.

The sun shone and it was obviously washing day for this family.

(P1020650  ©  DY of jtdytravels)

(P1020650 © DY of jtdytravels)

This restaurant is clear evidence of the growth of tourism in the area. It also shows that those providing for the tourists are learning what is important to visitors.  The sign above the door reads:

“Sterilized tube well water is used for cleaning and cooking. No MSG is used”.

(P1020652  ©  DY of jtdytravels)

(P1020652 © DY of jtdytravels)

This family has one of those tube wells for their water.

They don’t need to wash themselves and their clothes in the river.

(P1020688  ©  DY of jtdytravels)

(P1020688 © DY of jtdytravels)

But the majority of people do not have tube wells

and many people still use the river to wash both their clothes and themselves.

(P1020653  ©  Dy of jtdytravels)

(P1020653 © Dy of jtdytravels)

One enterprising lady met the group’s boats with bamboo cone hats for sale.

They are light and certainly good for shade against the hot sun.

(P1020677  ©  DY of jtdytravels)

(P1020677 © DY of jtdytravels)

The boats were well equipped with blue umbrellas for shade.

To get to Indein, the boats travelled up a narrow river.

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(P1020682 © DY of jtdytravels)

Finally the group arrived at their destination.

Judging by the various coloured chairs, a couple of groups had arrived in the village.

For now, the noisy motors were quiet while the visitors explored Indein.

(P1020810 ©  DY of jtdytravels)

(P1020810 © DY of jtdytravels)

A small market at the dockside sold such local necessities as longyis and shirts.

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(P1020696 © DY of jtdytravels)

Another necessary item that almost every Burmese needs is a bamboo woven basket.

(P1020700  ©  DY of jtdytravels)

(P1020700 © DY of jtdytravels)

Inevitably,even at a fairly quiet tourist destination, there are stalls selling souvenirs –

like bangles and beads and necklaces.

(P1020711  ©  DY of jtdytravels)

(P1020711 © DY of jtdytravels)

While wandering through the stalls, David was surprised to see a small army of women walking towards him with hoes and bamboo baskets over their shoulders. These were women of the Pa-O ethnic group;  the second most numerous tribe in the region who mainly live in the hilly areas in and around Taunggyi.  These women wear dark plain coloured lungyis with long sleeveless shirts and cropped long-sleeved black jackets. They also wear distinctive brightly coloured turbans, often in a red check weave. They are mostly farmers who come down from their villages on market days to sell their produce.  But this was not a market day and these women had come into the village of Indein on a very different mission!

It soon became apparent that this was another incidence of community activity.  The Pa-Os are very religious, and although previously animist, most are now Buddhist.  They were coming together to clean up the approaches to Indein’s ancient Shwe Inn Tain Pagoda, the site our group had come to this village to see. (Photos of that in the next episode.)

Men were already hard at work repairing the road –  in what seemed a time consuming way. But lots of hands make light work!  There’s no earth moving machinery here; not even a wheelbarrow.  A bamboo cane ‘stretcher’ was used to carry the soil.  What was amazing was what a short distance the soil was moved!

(P1020729  ©  DY  of jtdytravels)

(P1020729 © DY of jtdytravels)

A group of boys stood in the shade waiting for their instructions to also begin work.

They wore the traditional Shan bags over their shoulders.

(P1020808  ©  DY of jtdytravels)

(P1020808 © DY of jtdytravels)

While Mums and Dads worked, little ones found simple games to play.

No fancy toys or video games here!

(P1020803  ©  DY  of jtdytravels)

(P1020803 © DY of jtdytravels)

The women who had just arrived waited for their instructions.

 It was a well ordered, planned community activity.

(P1020773  ©  DY  of jtdytravels)

(P1020773 © DY of jtdytravels)

Faces in the crowd always fascinate David.  This girl wears her traditional Pa-O ethnic check cloth headwear and her face is painted with a mixture made from the bark of the tamarind tree. This is not only traditionally for beauty but also to save the skin from the sun.

(P1020717  ©  DY  of jtdytravels)

(P1020717 © DY of jtdytravels)

And it wasn’t only the young ones who had come to help.

All ages were represented.

Down on the river there were other activities to watch.

Children are the same everywhere –

 give them some water and they’ll make their own fun!

When everyone in our group had had plenty of time to enjoy watching the village activities, they began the walk up to the ancient Shwe Inn Tain Pagoda (or Shwe Indein) Pagoda.  We’ll go there in the next episode.

Jennie Thomas

All photography in this episode ©  DY of jtdytravels