walking around at the Old City

Old houses and buildings always have attractive appeal for me, especially those built during the Dutch colonial era. I can find few of them around my lovely small town, some are still being carefully taken care, but others are left in ruins or abandoned.

I must go to Semarang (the capital city of Central Java, Indonesia; about an hour trip from my town) to see lots of old buildings. Based on history, there is one area in Semarang that once had been the central of trade, it's called Kota Lama or Odstadt or Little Netherland.

Actually, this place is passed by some public transportations. Yet, sometimes we cannot see the whole appearance it offers (hence to take pictures). So, last two year, with a friend of mine, I visited it to take some pictures. So, we walked around in the middle of the day and enjoying sitting on a pedicab to take a tour. Unfortunately, we could not see the place at night, where I'm sure that it will offer something different of sightseeing and atmosphere.

In general, the characteristic of buildings in this area was following Europe architecture of 1700s. This can be seen from the typical building details and identical ornaments of the continent's style. For example, the huge size of door and window, colorful window glasses, unique roof shape, until the existence of underground room.

The most famous building in here is a church that still being used until now. It's called Blenduk Church. It's named due to its unique red dome.  And the building itself is very huge.

As I previously told, this area has a very busy street.  Sometimes we was distracted by the traffic or crowded (or to take pictures without any persons or vehicles in it; again, that's why I want to see it at night).

riding bicycle is a good idea here

which one is older?

centuries had passed by

abandoned

Also, near this complex we can arrive a "Polder"  - in front of Tawang rail station - which has a function of blood control but now also renovated as a public space. There are cement-benches and circle path surrounds the polder can be used for doing exercises such as walking and jogging in the morning and evening.

old and new

reflection ...

I do believe that those buildings have their own stories, and memories. Standing still and keep on watching every changes, moments, and time passed by.

All photographs are taken by the author by using 7x zoom Canon digital camera.