Borobudur Temple, Yogyakarta, Indonesia

Colorful masks hang in the market that has sprung up around Borobudur Temple.

A vendor balances in the shade at the top of the stone stairway, selling glossy photographs of the temple.

We visited during vesak, the most important (and busy!) Buddhist holiday of the year.

The images carved in stone tell the story of Buddha. Some of the more graphic scenes have been hidden behind bricks by conservative restorationists.

These enormous bell-shaped sculptures are said to bring good luck to pilgrims; those who touch them may have one wish granted.

This peaceful and awe-inspiring place, set so high above the bustle of workaday life, does seem rather enchanting.