For morning meditation we are treated to a vocal raga by Suzanne from Hong Kong. Then it’s on “on the buses”. This morning we’re off to Borobudur… the sacred Buddha temples. It’s been on the bucket list of many yogi’s, and is truly eye-popping when you first gaze upon the grandeur of the structure. We endure the constant harassment of the vendors plying their tourist trade, some even succumbing and purchasing knick knacks, souvenirs, bags, sunnies etc.
The climb up the stairs reaps rewards as the panoramic views are simply stunning… standing amongst ancient relics of deep spiritual significance, looking out over the vast expanse of green land… it’s a sight to behold. We are somewhat of a novelty to many of the locals, many of whom want to have their photo taken with us. I’m accosted by a bunch of giggling local girls, who want to have their photo taken with me and willingly oblige.
We use the opportunity to change into one of our performance outfits and use the amazing backdrop of the stupors to shoot some snaps, both as a great keepsake of the occasion and for using in future PR initiatives.
We enjoy quite possibly our best meal to date at the Palem Golek back in “Jogya” as Yogyakarta is referred to. The setting is cool and just when we think we are in for another round of chicken and rice, delicious seafood, tempeh, tofu, soups and fish dishes, marinated in delectable sauces are served up to us on long low japanese style tables, polished off with great coffee, compliments of Chris Szydlowski. Now before you have any concerns about our esteemed tour leader heating up our livers with coffee, it must be noted that he has abided by the ‘less than 7 cups per day rule”, because more than one for each chakra is definitely overdoing it. (Do I need to say I’m joking?).
There have been many firsts on this tour and tonight is another one… a concert and charitable giving presentation to a refugee camp made up of 331 families, who have been displaced due to the Volcanic Eruption of Mount Merapi that destroyed their villages and left the surrounding exclusion zone of 30km uninhabitable. Their lives have been truly turned upside down, the lineage of family generations forever altered through one extreme act of nature.
The camp is made up of very basic shelters. We bring with us the gift of kitchenware, that we have been informed is most needed, and this proves to be the case when we see how keen they are to receive and explore their new utensils. The majority of the community are made up of villagers who have not been exposed to a musical performance in the nature of the bhajans before and they seem to take a little getting used to this new experience. Once again we have organised the evening in collaboration with local Arts Councils, so we share the stage with comperes and comedians, who warm the crowd and introduce each member of Bhakti, as well as engaging with the audience… even having some light pronunciation competitions for a group of young kids, and young adults, which the crowd are much amused by. This light entertainment which once again includes a comedic dance from a female impersonator is interspersed with formalities including a brief address from a local district chief.
Chris, Ayu, Bagus and Gerald Lim once again combine to deliver a poetic reading that is used to get the audience to bring their attention to their spirit and experience self-realisation before Manuk Dadali as a finale once again gets the dancing underway.
Jai Shri Mataji!
with love,
The Realise Indonesia yogis