Monastery on the Hill) - I was not disappointed!
When I was here four weeks ago, it was closed. The government had covered
the Temple with plastic to protect it from the ash following from the
recently erupting volcano.
The temple sits in the middle of a lush green valley. It is believed to date
back to 750-850 AD, but lay abandoned and hidden for about 1,000 years.
I took the "Pilgrims Walk" to the top platform signifying never-ending
nirvana. It was so hot during the climb that I am sure I passed through
"hell" on the way up the steps.
After making it through the gauntlet of hawkers selling souvenirs we stopped
for lunch at a local restaurant and tour of a silversmith's shop with some
very lovely jewelry.
Thanks to our wonderful police escort (to and from the Temple) we had no
difficulty making it back to the ship on time.
Great day, and another checkmark on my bucket list.
Talk about a small world - my first "swim with the sharks" in Bora Bora in
2011 was with Rich and Brigitte, who organized this tour
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