A Wondering Ending to a Wonderful Trip: Sydney

As my plane flew over Sydney preparing to land, I couldn't believe just how big this city was. Though I knew this was Australia's biggest city, I wasn't prepared for it's sheer size. Unlike the CBD of Melbourne which could be walked in an hour tops, walking around Sydney was not an easy task. Even the CBD is divided further into districts, most with being at least a ten block radius. The bus and rail lines that runs through the city is as intricate as any I've seen and travels to all corners of the suburb, once you figure out which line to take. There is a free bus that loops the city but ends at 3:30pm which hardly leaves one time to really use it. The city moves at a speedy pace, which is pretty impressive considering the laid back nature of the Aussies in general. As with all major hub cities, it lacks a personal and intimate touch, that made Melbourne so lovable. In the mist of all this chaos, walking around exploring the city as a tourist is really quite exciting however as each corner brings about something completely new. Another interesting point about the city is the overwhelming Asian population, as almost one in five people here are of Asian decent. So unlike in the states where it maybe uncommon to see Asians working in McDonalds or driving the bus, here it is quite the norm.
When it comes to specific spots of interests in the city, there really isn't one to mention. Obviously most people come and makes a visit to the famous opera house. Since it's situated on the edge of a harbor, views of it can be seen from all the surrounding bays. At night as it lights up, the illuminating bridge behind it helps create a captivating skyline, enhanced furthered by the dramatic colors of the sky.


As a lover of cityscapes, this is fast climbing my list of top three favorites. Another aspect of this city that is very well thought out is the strategic placements of parks all throughout the neighborhoods, which helps to slightly eliminate the cold feeling of the vast payment streets.
My choices in food here has been rather interesting. After the last few days in New Zealand eating nothing but seafood, I felt myself craving asian food and rice in particular. Luckily finding quality Asian food here was an easy task, and I even managed to find authentic Japanese, which is always difficult in Philly. However, I couldn't bare to leave the city without having oysters one last time, especially since Sydney's is said to please any seafood lover. So for lunch one day I went to Cyren restaurant alongside the harbor where I was able to sample not only the Sydney Rock Oysters but also kangaroo meat. The oysters where good, but not the stars of the dish. Instead I found the pawns to be much better, as even the head contained abundant flavors and meat. As for the kangaroo, some said it reminded them of venison but for me it tasted more like beef as I didn't find it gamey at all. It was nice to try but really nothing special.





As this trips comes to an end, what better way to spend the last night but at the opera house bar overlooking the opera house on one side and the bridge on the other. Up close the opera house has a striking resemblance to sea shells both in color and patterns. The shape is really quite unique which makes one wonder how engineers concluded that this was the design for the optimal sound effect. Perhaps above all, the most amazing aspect of the city is how it's able to draw millions of tourists yearly with only an opera house!


Rating
Atmosphere: There's no mistaking that you are in a huge metropolitan city when you arrive here. In fact for people that's been to NYC and London this city is quite similar. However, there's something alluring about it that makes me prefer it over the other two.
People: For a city on the go, I expected people to be rude and standoffish. However on the contrast most where really polite and eager to help. This quality really added to the experience of the city and made what would have been just a mediocre city remarkable.
Food: Finally decided to give up on finding authentic Aussie food. Instead I opted to try what the city was best known for, it's seafood, which was pretty good but don't think qualified for best I've ever had. Aside from that all the Asian dishes I had was delicious and despite the initial sticker shock once I realized that it included tax and tip, it made it all that much the better.
Beauty: This city had me with its skyline. In fact I traveled eight thousands miles to see it in person, and it was worth every penny. People often ask why I find the need to take a photo of the landmarks myself when I can just settle for a postcard. The simple answer is because it's not mine own and I haven't experienced it with my own eyes, which is really the point of it all is it not!
Cleanness: Not quite clean but wouldn't say it's dirty. It's one of those aspect of the city that doesn't really stand out one way or another, at least not enough to comment.
Overall: Sydney reminds me of NYC where Melbourne is more like Chicago. However both are better than their counterpart in the states. A part of me wish that I had grew up here instead of in the states!

Scale 1-10: 8

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Visiting the Land of Kiwis

At first glance, Auckland reminds me of a scaled down version of NYC, with tiny shops on busy main streets and skyscrapers at every corner. However the streets are much more unforgiving to the ill-fitted as some are so slopped that to say they are on a 45 degree angle would not be an exaggeration. Climbing up and down a few times provides enough cardio for a day. Another major contrast is the friendliness of the people, but I guess it's not really hard to beat New Yorkers on that aspect. Down by the harbor there is an array of restaurants and one in particular that came recommended. Soul Bar & Bistro sits right off the water and at dusk when all the yachts have docked provides a beautiful scenery to accompany dinner. Given the city's location, seafood is abundant and some of the best prepared dishes. Having said that I preceded to start my samplings of the varieties. First I started with the Sydney oysters which unlike the Coffin Bays are smaller, rounder and creamier. I think I preferred them over the ones in Melbourne. My next course was a white bait fritter in a butter and chive sauce. Though this was their signature dish, it was my least favorite. I found the sauce to be overly rich which detracted from the taste of the fish. My final sampling was the mussels which were the plumpest I've ever seen, each almost double the size of the ones from the Atlantic Ocean. The sauce unfortunately was slightly more salty than what I'm normally accustomed to.





All in all not a bad meal but second to the ones I've had in Melbourne. As I left the restaurant the city was still busy with people as most were headed to bars to catch the next game in the Rugby World Cup hosted in Auckland this year.

As a side trip I took a detour to the beautiful island of Coromandel, which is a quiet place whose predominant source of income comes from mussel and oyster farming.


The city town itself is only a 10min walk from one end to the other, with half the businesses catered towards eating. Though the town itself was rather unimpressive it is only an hr away from the famous Cathedral Cove, the location where Naria was filmed. Along the way there you pass numerous bays and beaches, some of which are completely deserted even during high tourist season. The ride there is however not for the faint hearted as the island is covered with mountains and requires many climbs and descends on very narrow winding roads. But it does offer astonishing views around each bend of the smaller islands off the coasts. Unfortunately getting around the island proves to be a little tricky as there are only two mode of transportation, by bus or by tour. I opted for the tour since the bus only runs twice a day in the mornings and doesn't return until the next day. In addition the tour also takes you to Hot Water Beach, a beach that has a thermal core so people dig their own pool on the beach and lay in there as the ocean water is heated.


If you don't control the temperature right however, the water can truly burn and I was told that it's actually hot enough to cook seafood in if you were to bring your own and have lunch there. The experience was remarkable as I stood there and watched people of all ages dig their pools only to hope that the waves don't sweep everything away. As I stood there one foot in hot water and the other in cold, I wished I was able to stay longer to enjoy this little wonder of nature. After lunch we were finally ready to visit Cathedral Cove. As this little beach is truly secluded, the hike there is 45mins each way through a jungle like path. When I finally stepped onto the beach, I was taken back by the simple beauty of the place. The beach almost enclosed between two cliffs was about as remote as it could be. The sound of waves crashing upon the rocks was the only thing that could be heard for miles. I closed my eyes for a moment and just let it all soak in, what a true hidden gem!

Rating:
Atmosphere: A very chilled city in a country where people are completely passionate about their sports and other out door activities. Aside from that many finds time volunteer on the surrounding island to help sustain the jungles and shorelines. It does not take long to sense the pride many have for their country.
Beauty: The city of Auckland itself is not extremely known for its beauty, however as with most places there are a few scenic areas. However once you find your way out of the city, the country is covered in luscious greens and under the sun sparkles like emerald. The beaches are comparable to any in Thailand or Indonesia but more remote.
Cleanness: I'm starting to realize that for a developed world just how dirty some of the cities in the state are. Auckland is on par with other cities I've seen in Europe and more mind for of not only trash but also preserving the environment through the promotion of using less water and electricity.
People: Also quiet friendly like the Aussies though sometime harder to understand. Can't pinpoint which sounds they pronounce weird but every so often I don't quiet get them. In addition they are also friendly towards their own as a cheery hello is often exchanged.
Food: Despite their abundance in seafood, the preparation of it lacks in uniqueness. I'v tried it in many forms from fried, to chowder to steamed to raw and though you can't question it's freshness, the flavor with the exception of raw was merely slightly above par.
Overall: Someone told me as i was hiking though the jungle that before Captain Cook discovered NZ the island was completely covered in trees. Though some there may believe that the "white man" destroyed the island I happen to think that it was all for the better. Otherwise the island would be similar to Papua New Guinea, full of beauty but untamed!

Scale 1-10: 7.5

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A View of Melbourne, Vineyards and All

Unlike the previous stops, I think this one needs to begin at the airport pre-boarding to fully paint the picture of the effort it took to get to Melbourne. The adventure began as I arrived at KL and was told I had to go through the whole custom process to pick up my luggage and then re-check in for my next flight! Franticly I ran through the airport, picked up my luggage and then preceded towards the departure terminals. As I arrived at the check in counter, I was informed that I did not have the visa needed for Australia. Thinking the guy had completely lost his mind, I reminded him that I had an US passport! He patiently insisted that US citizens also needed it. Still in doubt I pulled up travel.gov and sure enough it was there in black and white. As I was busy cursing the Aussies under my breath he informed me it was sometime I could get on the spot and only took a few minutes. As I impatiently waited for the slow Internet to load the page, I was praying that I wouldn't be stuck in KL for the day. Finally after what seemed like years, I managed to obtain a eta for Australia at the cost of 20AUD and much stress, though it really was my fault for not double checking before I left.

Once I finally got into Melbourne I couldn't believe how stunning the city was. The city was laid back, the people were friendly and the streets were clean! It kind of reminded me of Chicago but 50% more Asians! The first stop of the day was Victoria Market, which was a gigantic version of Reading Terminal and Italian Market all in one.














After wandering around drooling over the various arrays of exotic meats and cheeses, I found my way to the food court for my first meal in the city. Wanting to save room for other food I planned on having later I opted for a chicken avocado roti, which was simple yet still amazingly tasty. Across the street from the food market was an extension of the market, with stalls an stalls of vendors selling everything from t-shirts to souvenirs. From there I went down to Bourke St, which is the city's major shopping strip. Surrounding the area included Greek downtown and Chinatown, however both really small in size. As the night approached, I decided to grab a bit to eat and began at an oyster bar called Mezzo that was recommended on a food site I was reading. Luckily for me I got there at 5:30 just in time for 1/2 priced oyster happy hour!











So I ordered a dozen natural, with a crisp glass of white wine to accompany it. There were two types available one from Coffin Bay, that was slightly salty but finished clean and the other was I think called Mermin Blad, and had a sweet initial taste but an unfortunate tangy finish. The coffin bay was definitely the better of the two. Saving some room for my nice treat I ventured my way down to Federation Square with is right off the Southbank. As sunset approached, the last few rays of the day bounced off the skyscrapers along the waterfront.











Though It's skyline may not be recognized worldwide, at that moment it was hard to understand why. When at last the sun dipped below the building I decided it was time for dinner, though I really still wasn't hungry. Instead of the typical corner bistro, this time I decided to try a ritzy restaurant with a view of the river. Walking in dressed in slacks, t-shirts and a sweatshirt, I was more than a little out of place. The ambiance of the restaurant was classy and chic with glass windows ceiling high and most patrons either out on dates or for business dinners. As per the waiters recommendations, I order the kataifi wrapped Japanese scallops with smoked chilli mayo and the individual duck terrine with foie gras, smoked duck breast & toasted brioches.

















Both were as good as they look and equally expensive! Australian contemporary cuisine was not too shabby.

Unlike in many other places I've visited in the past few years, Melbourne is strategically located within an hour or so drive from four wine producing regions. So the next day, a privately booked mini tour bus came and whisked me off to the Yarra Valley. As we drove into the rolling hills of the vineyards, all that surrounded us was acres and acres of grapevines situated under a deep blue sky.








On the first stop we came to Coldstream Hills, the vineyard of the famous Robert Halliday, where to proceeded to tried every bottled available from their sauvignon blanc right down to their shiraz. Though a few bottles were good, nothing was terrific. The next stop was at a vineyard called Yarra Yering, which produced some of the most expensive wines in the region. At this place, each wine was more complex than the next with some being extremely harsh on the nose but surprisingly pleasant on the palate. Again however none took be by awe. Preceding we stopped at Chandon, the heart of Moet & Chandon in Australia, where we were able to try either one or all four of their sparking on hand.





Out of all the members of our tour I was the only one that opted to try the range, which turns out was a fairly generous pour of each. The brut was a fairly decent champagne similar to numerous I had in the states, the middle two were a rose and Pinot noir respectively but only average in taste, the last was a curvee, and resembled a moscato.





The first and last were my favorite and I was glad I was able to try the whole lot. By now, I was feeling a little light headed and was more than happy to hear we were headed off to lunch, which was at a nice restaurant in Yering vineyard. The food was up to the Melbourne standard, as the eye fillet was cooked perfectly! Another wonderful meal in the city. Given that this was a vineyard tour, after lunch we preceded to sample the other offerings of Yering, including a fabulous limited release of a 2008 cabernet that was smooth and balance! One of the best cabs I had for a while and definitely my favorite of the day! The final stop on the tour was the largest vineyard in the area called De Bortoli, who produced not only a great selection of wines but also had cheese onsite to pair. Some of my favorites from the cheese selections included a soft goat cheese marinated in olive oil with honey drizzled on top, and a soft cow milk cheese with truffle.











We finish off a magnificent day of food and wine with the Noble One, the best selling wine in the country. It's a dessert wine, almost syrupy in texture but still fruity and sweet like an ice wine. It was truly the perfect ending to a perfect visit to the city! BTW I highly recommend www.vinetrekker.com.au for those looking for a unique tour of the vineyards and try to get Paul if you can because he was terrific!
Rating:
Atmosphere: The city is very laid back with a semi slower pace. The people are extremely proud of their city and happy to share with you their expertise on it. Strolling around downtown is a great experience and easy to navigate as it's in a grid format with a free city trolly circling the outer edge.
People: Extremely pleasant and friendly! I think they are some of the nicest people I've met, especially in such a big country. Really puts most cities in the states to shame.
Food: It is said that Melbourne is a foodie city and the locals pride theselves on the food, which is truly amazing! Though I was at first disappointed that I didn't get a chance to try authentic Aussie food, I was later informed that there really is no such a thing. In fact since most people here are immigrants, the food like the culture is a blend of everything. Nevertheless the blend they came up with is superb.
Beauty: The walk along side the river provides a great view of the city and there are numerous cafes to stop and savor the moment. Aside from that most streets in the city is full of things to see from churches to museums.
Cleaniness: Never imagine a city as big and busy as this being able to keep itself so clean. The whole time I was here I don't really remember seeing much trash on the ground and the streets itself are constantly being sweep by cleaning cars.
Overall: I wasn't really expecting much from Melbourne and it has exceeded my expectations in every way. I couldn't imagine a more comfortable city to reside in. As someone told me here, Melbourne is a city you want to build a relationship with whilst Sydney is one you want to have a one night stand! Maybe a little harsh but so far I'm willing to stay in Melbourne forever.

Scale 1-10: 9

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My Public Service to All Coming to Brunei

If you were to take a look at a map of Southeast Asia, it would be fairly easy to miss the country of Brunei. Located in the South China Sea in the vast Borneo Island, it is but only two tiny slivers of land lodged in the northern coast of Sarawak. This country is not only small in land mass but also in population with only 400,000 currently. However what really distinguishes this country amongst its neighbors is that it's main source of income is derived not from tourism but from oil and gas. In 1929, right when the country was about to be swallowed, the sultan found oil in the city of Seria. Since then, the country has been more like its fellow countrymen in the middle east than any other countries surrounding it in Southeast Asia! It is precisely this reason why I had decided to make a stopover in this unique country.
Upon arrival it was hard not to notice the initial contrast to Malaysia and Indonesia. Though most of the buildings were more modest and simpler than others typically found in the region, its mosques are some of the most beautiful in the world. The local houses and stores were not quite what one would expect from an oil rich country, yet at the same time far from what was seen in even the nicer cities in Indonesia. Another extreme difference is the shear quietness on the street, even downtown.





As you rarely saw pedestrians and scooters are never used, walking down the streets felt more like being in the states, with the exception of the drivers being friendlier and actually stopping to allow you to pass. Being a predominant Muslim country, the laws are fairly strict and this is the first truly dry country I've visited, where even beer is not available. Aside from that, the hours of operations seems pretty lax making it difficult to get many things done.
As for attractions, the country has really only two worth visiting. The first being the Jame' Asri Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah mosque, the largest in the country built to commemorate the current reigning Sultan.





From the outside this magnificent building looks more like a palace than a mosque, with its surrounding palm trees and fountains. As per Islamic rules photos are not to be taken inside, which is equally grand with its numerous chandeliers and mosaic windows. However the guard there did take me on a private tour where we climbed to the top of one of its towers and was greeted with an amazing view of the mosque and a panoramic view of the city.





The other attraction of the country is not surprising also a mosque called the Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque...





If one was to google Brunei this much photoed landmark would be the first to come up. This mosque though simpler on the inside reminds me of the palace in Walt Disney's Aladdin! Before you are granted entrance, woman must cover up everything which they will provide you with the essential.





Aside from these two, the sultan's palace is also located in the capitol, and is about 3x the size of Versailles and 8x the size of Buckingham. Unfortunately the only thing visible to tourists are the shiny gates that stretch out for blocks, and acres and acres of greens and palm trees behind them. Seems like the country spared no expenses when it came to the building of the palace and mosques, but cut back on housing for it's citizens. However life in this country still seems fairly pleasant as food and local transportation costs are minimal and safety is never really an issue here.

Now for all those that plan on visiting this country by backpacking, there is really limited tourist information available even once you land so hopefully the information below will be helpful. First I must say there really isn't a lot to see so 2 days is more than enough. Also if you are the type that wishes to drink and party on your trips, this is not the place for you and you might as well just skip it! For all the others, I'm sure by now you have realized by searching the web that cheap lodging is extremely limited. It is true that if don't want to pay for a hotel, your only option is the youth hostel otherwise known as Pusat Belia, which is only 10B a night. Here you will be provided with really nothing more than a bed and bathroom, so don't be expecting a common room or Internet! Also the male and female dorms are completely separate so don't even consider sharing a room.





The location of the hostel is right in the middle of downtown, where you will also find the remaining four or five hotels the city offers. Fortunately most locals speak some English, enough for you to easily find this place. Also if you are coming from the airport DO NOT take a taxi as that will cost you 25B. Instead wait for the purple bus #38 which is only 1B and you will ride it to the terminal, from there it is merely a few blocks' walk to the hostel! Also this terminal that you will be dropped off at is their central bus terminal so if you need to go to the mosque or mall you can find a bus there. Now more the more confusing information, how to book the youth hostel! If you had tried to email them but haven't heard back for a while, it's most likely because the guy there works very limited hours. If you are lucky enough to arrive from 6:30am-4:30pm your chances of seeing him is pretty good, however after that the reception desk is closed and you would have to call him for him to come. Below is both the hours and contact number as posted on the window of the office.





Rating:
Atmosphere: Unlike any other in the area, pollution is limited by the lack of scooters and small population. Honking is also rarely heard making the city very quiet at times. Since they are able to live off their oil reserves, the resources of the land has been able to be remained intact. Walking around at night you don't have the least bit of worry that something ill natured might happen.
People: For the most part they were pretty friendly. Seems like they are especially polite to foreigners and seemed eager for you to like their country and embrace their culture.
Food: Very similar to Malay food which is not surprising given its location. I ate roti for both breakfast and dinner with a side of either chicken or beef curry, both of which was tasty. Also they have their version of beef noodle soup which was as good as the ones in China.









Beauty: Despite its paved streets and luscious greens, I couldn't help but remain unimpressed. Its beauty which is most apparent in their mosques seemed to be the pride of the country, yet how can you spend millions on a mosque when people just across the street from them live in shabby wooden houses built on pillars with barely a window.





Cleanness: The country is extremely clean not only compared to Asian country but to the western ones also. Everywhere you look you can find beautiful plan trees and well maintained lawns. The people don't litter or spit on the floor as is custom in the developing nations nearby.
Overall: Despite it's numerous strength, I found the country dull and uninteresting. Given the extreme limitation of the local law I don't understand how someone can really happily reside there. Perhaps its free healthcare and schooling is enough to entice some. I can truly say that is one country I don't plan on visiting again for sure!

Scale 1-10: 4

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Exploring Borobudur...One of the Greatest Buddhist Monuments in the World

A few years back I had the pleasure of backpacking through Southeast Asia. On that amazing trip I visited both Ankor Wat in Cambodia and Bagan in Burma. Though both were spectacular in their own ways, I was always a little disappointed that I couldn't make my way to Borobudur at the time. So on this trip, I jumped at the opportunity to fulfill this longing desire. I have always heard different opinions as to which of the three was viewed the most amazing, but I was determined to judge that for myself! However before I proceed much further, I think some basic facts about this great temple is needed to truly appreciate its wonder so I have provided the information below as provided by http://www.buddhanet.net/boro.htm.

Though uncertain of its true age, it is thought that the temple was built around the end of the 7th, beginning of the 8th century A.D. For about a century and a half it was the spiritual centre of Buddhism in Java, however evidence suggest it was abandoned following the decline of Buddhist and Hindu kingdoms in Java, as the Javanese conversed to Islam. The structure itself is composed of 55,000 square meters of lava-rock erected on a hill in the form of a stepped-pyramid of six rectangular storeys, three circular terraces and a central stupa forming the summit. The whole temple is in the form of a lotus, the sacred flower of Buddha. For each direction there are ninety-two Dhyani Buddha statues and 1,460 relief scenes. The lowest level has 160 reliefs depicting cause and effect; the middle level contains various stories of the Buddha's life from the Jataka Tales; the highest level has no reliefs or decorations whatsoever but has a balcony, square in shape with round walls: a circle without beginning or end. Here is the place of the ninety-two Vajrasattvas or Dhyani Buddhas tucked into small stupas. Each of these statues has a mudra (hand gesture) indicating one of the five directions: east, with the mudra of calling the earth to witness; south, with the hand position of blessing; west, with the gesture of meditation; north, the mudra of fearlessness; and the centre with the gesture of teaching. Besides being the highest symbol of Buddhism, the Borobodur stupa is also a replica of the universe. It symbolises the micro-cosmos, which is divided into three levels, the first level in which man's world of desire is influenced by negative impulses; in the middle level, man has control of his negative impulses and uses his positive impulses; in the highest level, the world of man is no longer bounded by physical and worldly ancient desire.


From the bottom of the hill, the gigantic monument shadowed over us, and one could make out the numerous groups of people ascending the steps of the temple. As we walked closer the various levels became more and more apparent until finally they stood towering over us.


The bottom six rectangular levels of the temple were similar, each consisting of various relics and carvings. The relics that can be found on the base of the walls was so intricate that even after centuries and multiple natural disasters it was still easy to make out the form and expressions of the subjects.


The Buddha statues that could be seen throughout the levels were placed in two ways, some were alongside each other perched on the edge of the steps while others were tucked inside a shrine like housing. Though some were clearly in better conditions than others, all displayed the the precision that was put into the carvings. The size of some stones used to construct the temple was truly a testament of the advance nature of the civilization at the time.


As we climbed up further, levels seven through nine were even more incredible, as each was bordered by a series of stupas. Looking out, the mountains that laid in the distance produced a feeling of peace and serenity. The tenth and final level was actually inaccessible as the platform on top was barely large enough to house the stupa itself. I guess it was built in such a way as to symbolize the true limited number of people to reach complete nirvana.


At sunset, standing behind the statue of the meditating Buddha outlooking the world, the sky was both calm and fiery. Suddenly the vastness that laid before me provided both a sense of excitement for the unknown yet also apprehension for the upcoming uncertainties. As I took a deep breathe and soaked in the beauty of the moment I glanced again at Buddha who remained peacefully starring out afar!


Rating:
Atmosphere: Being inside the temple complex was extremely peaceful. Every now and then we saw monks walking by, which further presented the area with a holy of sense of feel. The restaurant on the grounds of the complex was semi outdoors, as we sat for dinner we had a clear view of the temple with soft music filling the background.
Food: Similar to the food in Bali, however there was this fried tofu stuffed with vegetables dish that was really good. The veggies provided the tofu with more flavor yet the dish was still moist on the inside and crunchy on the outside!
People: The people were really friendly, even in the airport as they were bargaining with us for the cab fare. People that you asked for help was eager to provide it and did so with a smile.
Cleanliness: Inside the temple everything was kept tidy. No one littered out of respect for the temple. In the surrounding towns though it was no different from what is to be expected from Indonesia.
Beauty: Finally being able to see the temple was awesome. It was especially remarkable to be able to catch sunset on the top of the structure. In addition we lucked out as levels 8-10 was just reopened four days ago due to renovations from the recent volcanic eruption.
Overall: As for which of the three complex is more impressive, I find it hard to judge now that I've seen them all. Since Borobudur is but one single structure where Bagan is temples spreads for miles they hardly seem comparable. I think it's fair to say that they all have impressive aspects and each holds it's own in this world of wonders.

SCALE 1-10: 7

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