On the same day that we explored Mt Merapi, we also toured the historical Prambanan temple complex. Jogja really does amaze me with its range of touristic places of different religious importance. The Buddhist Boroburdur and the Hindu Prambanan temples show that there is a long and interesting history in the region.

Prambanan is a series of temple towers with stairs leading up to an internal entrance where statues stood. Each statue was of one of the Hindu deities, the most prominent being the Shiva Temple. It was a busy afternoon at the temple, so there were people everywhere climbing and exploring the temples, which made the whole experience a little distracting.

However, it didn't detract from being able to enjoy the carved reliefs, which always amaze me to see when I visit these types of monuments- I can't help but imagine the craftsmen hundreds of years ago spending months making each carving, of which there are thousands altogether. Each hand-carved stone brick is a work of art in itself, and is quite awe inspiring really to know what humans are capable of achieving for the sake of their craft and religion.

My fiance's mum and brother were not really as interested as we were in the temple. They were readay to leave minutes after arriving, as they only saw the temple as 'rocks'. It is funny how different people can look at the same thing and see such completely different things!

The gardens around the temple were also expansive and were beautiful to walk through, and as we left at dusk, there was a lovely orange sunset over Prambanan- quite magical!