Cool. Humid. Cold. Rain. Gloom. Mellow. Happy. December is. It's the month of reflection for Sem. It can evoke in him a mood of reflection—if not melancholy. “Blame it on the weather,” he says, grinning.
His Decembers have been nice. For example, two Decembers ago he went on a ‘historic’ trip with Cik and Fajar to Dieng-Magelang-Jogjakarta.
Now once again he finds himself in December, on a trip to Central Java.
Kudus
As the name suggests ('kudus' means holy), the town reflects Islamic influences. Some source says that it’s derived from al-Quds or Jerusalem.... Thus starts the ‘pilgrimage’ in the holy city. First destination: the old Masjid Menara with brick minaret dated back to the early days of Hindu in Indonesia. It houses the tomb of Sunan Kudus. Sem also attends Christmas Eve mass here in the city. what a Malam Kudus (Holy Night).
Bandungan-Ambarawa
From Kudus 'the pilgrimage' continues in the highlands of Bandungan, to the Hindu temple complex of Candi Gedung Songo. Here Sem stands in awe of what he sees: The temples are situated in the scenic mountains, spanning in the location of like 3 km sq. He can only wonder, what was on their mind when they built and dedicated these temples to the deity?
Semarang
Sem visits one touristy spot: Gedung Lawang Sewu. Sem dares himself to take underground tour where it is said to be haunted—given its bloody past. He feels goose bumps that he mumbles “bring your torches Jeanette, Isabella” while holding his battery-powered torch in the dark.
Outside, the night is about to fall. He rushed to Oudstadt—very much like Jakarta’s Kota Tua or Duesseldorf’s Altstadt: there’s canal, bridges, stocky buildings, and a church. the latter is Gereja Blenduk that’s been there since 1753.
His Decembers have been nice. For example, two Decembers ago he went on a ‘historic’ trip with Cik and Fajar to Dieng-Magelang-Jogjakarta.
Now once again he finds himself in December, on a trip to Central Java.
Kudus
As the name suggests ('kudus' means holy), the town reflects Islamic influences. Some source says that it’s derived from al-Quds or Jerusalem.... Thus starts the ‘pilgrimage’ in the holy city. First destination: the old Masjid Menara with brick minaret dated back to the early days of Hindu in Indonesia. It houses the tomb of Sunan Kudus. Sem also attends Christmas Eve mass here in the city. what a Malam Kudus (Holy Night).
Bandungan-Ambarawa
From Kudus 'the pilgrimage' continues in the highlands of Bandungan, to the Hindu temple complex of Candi Gedung Songo. Here Sem stands in awe of what he sees: The temples are situated in the scenic mountains, spanning in the location of like 3 km sq. He can only wonder, what was on their mind when they built and dedicated these temples to the deity?
Semarang
Sem visits one touristy spot: Gedung Lawang Sewu. Sem dares himself to take underground tour where it is said to be haunted—given its bloody past. He feels goose bumps that he mumbles “bring your torches Jeanette, Isabella” while holding his battery-powered torch in the dark.
Outside, the night is about to fall. He rushed to Oudstadt—very much like Jakarta’s Kota Tua or Duesseldorf’s Altstadt: there’s canal, bridges, stocky buildings, and a church. the latter is Gereja Blenduk that’s been there since 1753.
Bread Alone
December is a time for reflection and also insouciance. And even during pilgrimage, when spiritual hunger is fulfilled, pilgrims still need worldly food. So here Sem is, enjoying second, third, and hundredth servings of meals and delicacies.
December is a time for reflection and also insouciance. And even during pilgrimage, when spiritual hunger is fulfilled, pilgrims still need worldly food. So here Sem is, enjoying second, third, and hundredth servings of meals and delicacies.
