159 days: Dewa Ardianto

Today was a magical day at Prambanan Temple. The ancient stone structures stood tall against the clear blue sky, their intricate carvings telling tales of centuries past. As I walked through the temple grounds, I met Dewa, a local guide with a wealth of knowledge about the temple's history and significance.

Dewa shared fascinating stories about the temple's construction and the legends surrounding it. He explained how the temple was built in the 9th century and dedicated to the Trimurti, the three main gods of Hinduism: Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva. His passion for history was infectious, and I found myself mesmerized by his words.

As we talked, Dewa revealed that he had studied archaeology at Gadjah Mada University in Yogyakarta. He had always been fascinated by ancient cultures and felt a deep connection to his heritage. Dewa's dedication to preserving and sharing the history of his culture was truly inspiring.

After our tour, I spent some time sketching the temple's intricate reliefs and majestic spires. The play of light and shadow on the stone surfaces created a mesmerizing effect, and I tried to capture the temple's timeless beauty in my sketchbook.

As the sun began to set, I felt a deep sense of gratitude for the day's experiences and the new friendship I had formed. Dewa's stories and the grandeur of the temple left an indelible mark on my heart.

- Aanya