The temple was covered in carvings. These represent the various manifestations of God.

These are ancient but the tradition of sculptures continues and they are relatively easy to produce thanks to the soft local sandstone.

From the temple we travelled to a local market where we were able to buy some fruit including locally produced grapes.

At this stall the ladies were selling flowers used in the small offerings that many houses put out every day to keep the Gods happy.

We then drove into the hills passing lush countryside en route where rice paddies gleamed in the sun.

We stopped briefly at a viewpoint, overlooking one of the crater lakes.

A local man had set up a simple business here exhibiting some local wildlife including this handsome iguana.

And these fruit bats....

The animals did not seem to mind and it is interesting to be able to view these animals close up. None were tethered so could have scampered off or flown away, they were well fed and in very good condition.

The real highlight of this trip and a most unexpected pleasure was a visit to the hot springs which were absolutely wonderful. There were 3 baths from warm to hot each with massaging founts that either poured or thundered down from gargoyles heads.

Surprisingly on this very hot day, these hot springs were very refreshing, extremely relaxing and altogether gorgeous. A wonderful end to an excellent day.

Fabulous