stormy weather, a photo from Jakarta Raya, Java

Photographer's Note

Jakarta was established in the fourth century and became an important trading port for the Kingdom of Sunda (eastern Java). It was the capital of the Dutch East Indies, known as Batavia at that time.

These days Jakarta is one of the biggest and most densely populated cities in the planet and traffic is a real mess. Although we were advised to bypass it, we did not. Visiting a country without visiting its capital feels a bit strange. And we did want to go search for whatever is left of the old Dutch colonial capital.

Not much, though they are making (modest) plans to restore the old town center and the old harbour.

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This picture shows the old town hall of Batavia. It was constructed by the Dutch in 1707 and now houses the History Museum.

The picture was shot from one of the windows of the sublime old style Café Batavia, which still is one of the most atmospheric places on Java to go for a drink (or two).

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song title reference: Duke Ellington

alvaraalto, jhm, bukitgolfb301, bukitgolfb301, Tue, pierrefonds, adores has marked this note useful

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alvaraalto (42234) 2016-09-02 2:50

Dag Benny
Op het eerste gezicht had ik niet meteen aan Batavia gedacht bij deze foto. Misschien mis ik een paar klapperbomen om het in de tropen te plaatsen. Maar het gebouw past wel bij het Nederlandse kolonialisme.
Prachtige foto met al die mensen verspreid over het plein met zelfs een selfie makende moslima.
Groet Rob

lousat (129831) 2016-09-02 2:50

Hi Benny,the dark sky in background gives a beautiful atmopshere to the composition. Interesting post about the town hall,now museum,where i recognize a bit the dutch style. Perfect exposure and sharpness as always. Have a nice weekend and thanks,LUCIANO

jhm (202823) 2016-09-02 2:55

Dag Benny,

Ik heb een vriend dat afkomstig is van ginder achter, en er is daar nog heel wat te doen.
Maar uw foto laat dit niet blijken, met de eerste schooldag van gisteren nog in ons achterhoofd.
Hier zijn onze kinderen, (voor mij achterkleinkinderen), wel een stuk beter af.
Mooi contrast beeld met de witte gevels tegen de donkere hemel.
Goed foto werk, bedankt.

Groeten,
John

holmertz (92724) 2016-09-02 4:28

Hello Benny,
This is an attractive and interesting composition. I like the large areas of dark sky and dark ground surrounding the white colonial building, and especially I like the many people spread out all across the open area. In 1976 most of Jakarta looked like a huge, sprawling slum area, in 1999 I returned to an incredibly hectic major city of skyscrapers. The change in 23 years was astonishing. In '99 I also went briefly to the old Dutch parts but I wasn't very impressed.
Regards,
Gert

Sergiom (117241) 2016-09-02 5:21

BOnjour Benny,

J'aime de plus en plus ces ciels orageux.Ils fournissent des contrastes frappants surtout lorsque on les place derrière un bâtiment blanc. Beau cadrage vertical qui donne de la profondeur à l'ensemble.

Amicalement

Serge

sacimar (38171) 2016-09-02 7:15

Hello Benny,

this is a good picture despite you didn´t have the best light conditions, I like this square, well done,

Best regards,

Sergio

emka (152060) 2016-09-03 13:11

Hello Benny, At first sight it seems just ordinary building like everywhere else. But then we see the people on the square and the pictures become more exotic. Most women have scarves on the head. One woman makes selfie using the stick. The dark sky makes a dramatic atmosphere.

WArm regrads Malgo

Tue (82104) 2016-09-04 2:38

Hallo Benny,
De witte muren van het oude stadhuis steken hier mooi af tegen de dreigende regenlucht. Het gebouw heeft inderdaad wel wat oude Nederlandse kenmerken. Het plein vormt een mooie voorgrond met de mensen verspreid over het hele gebied. Uiteraard wordt er ook nog door een van hen een selfie gemaakt.
Lars

abmdsudi (88423) 2016-09-04 8:54

Hi Benny
The deep grey is a blessing for keen photographer, producing a stark contrast and lends the architecture pops even more while those visitors and touch of vivid colour lead one all the way to main focal of interest. A catchy shot indeed pleasantly recorded, Congrats.
Best regards

mkamionka (61018) 2016-09-08 13:06

Hi Benny,
lovely square with attractive architecture. People seem to have fun taking photos and walking around. The dark clouds introduce an extraordinary mood so unusual for holiday photos. Sky looks almost as if it was a night.
Fantastic effect, very original work,
M

pierrefonds (103384) 2016-10-05 18:07

Hi Benny,

The presence of the people is adding life to the scene. The wideness of the square is giving depth to the composition. The point of view is showing the details of the old town hall. The stormy sky is giving a good contrast to the colours. Have a nice day.

Pierre

adores (46979) 2018-01-29 15:02

Hi Benny!
This weather is usually fantastic for photos. I really like the dark sky and the light is perfect. Very good pov. I like to see that almost every single person is busy with something.