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Indonesia

Bali

Ubud - Goa Gajah


Arriving in the middle of a monsoon rainstorm (with new jewelry), we quickly realized that our visit was going to have to take place in between downpours. What wasn't as immediately obvious, however, was just how cool this made things: we had the place pretty much to ourselves, as what can apparently be quite a tourist mess was basically deserted, and the erstwhile guides for hire entertained themselves playing chess...

But when the showers let up, we made our way across the compound to a fascinating caved cave. Dating back to the 11th century or so, there is not much known about the earliest origins of Goa Gajah. You walk through the mouth of a demon, there are some Hindu relics inside, and that is about it for the cave. 

The fountains and courtyard outside have pools with spring water running into them, and we decided to hike around the lush valley that surrounds the temple area.

And what great timing we had - because that was when all the tourists started to come back in and we decided to get out of there!!
We had a grand time: we "discovered" a little stream that we hiked along a la Indiana Jones, came across a small temple that the boys prayed at, and found several carved faces in the cliff sides that threatened to end our vacation a bit early!


And yes, we did get rained on some more, and even had to sit in a pagoda talking to one another (shudder!!) for 15 minutes or so, but all in all it was a very pleasant morning, and leaving us plenty of time to get ready for the evening's entertainment.
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