I had NO idea that Yogyakarta had so much to offer. I THOUGHT I’d be able to fit everything into one post. I was so very wrong.
We have been careening from one fabulous activity to the next! Widi, our trip leader, has been delighting us with lots of choices for our “free” time.
Our third day in Yogyakarta started with a trip to the local market, where we were each given 20,000 rupiahs and the name of an Indonesian item to locate and then purchase. My item was kacang pangang (which turns out to be very long string beans). We also needed to learn the vendor’s name, take and post a selfie with the vendor, on WhatsApp. We ALL rose to the challenge and had so much fun doing so.
Our purchases were brought to the village of Jambidan, where they were magically incorporated into the many delicious dishes that we consumed for lunch.
But first, we were escorted through the village by its chief, where we participated in various daily activities, like separating the rice from the chaff using the traditional method,
creating a printed fabric using local plants and a mallet,
feeding the livestock,
seeing the village sights,
and finally visiting the chief in his home, where he proudly showed off his kris (ceremonial dagger), which was given to him by the sultan.
After lunch, we had a lively discussion with members of the village, during which we questioned each other about our cultures. Not surprisingly, given the composition of the group, our focus was on changes in women’s lives.
What an interesting experience!
Although Widi and Anjit (our local guide) had suggested activities for the afternoon, I chose to chill out by the pool until it was time to meet up with Micki, Jeanne and Laurie for dinner.
Being somewhat lazy (okay, maybe it is more accurate to describe myself as really lazy) I enlisted the help of ChatGPT to find us a reasonably priced restaurant with something other than fried food, within walking distance of our hotel. Within seconds, I was presented with two choices, one of which Micki had walked by, and thought it would be suitable. We had dinner at Paprika, the restaurant in the glorious Phoenix Hotel.
What, you were expecting photos of food? well you all know what pizza, pasta, fruit, fish, veggies and dessert look like. For $27, we had a choice of every food item imaginable, plus an alcoholic beverage — we all chose a glass of wine, because it is incredibly expensive here! If we wanted more wine, we could get it. We just had to pay for it, but the buffet was “all you care to eat”. So we did. We weren’t sure what we enjoyed more—the delicious food or the tour that the restaurant’s hostess so graciously provided.
Another day, another UNESCO site. But THIS time, we visited a Hindu temple, Prambanan.
You know that old saying “God takes care of fools and children”? Well, some people say I fit into BOTH categories, (especially my sisters, when they were being mean) but it actually is true—at least in my case.
Remember the walking stick that caused me to check a bag? Well, I forgot to bring it with me. (At least I’m consistently spacey). Fortunately, God ( or the force) was looking out for me, because although the stairs were uneven, they weren’t as many or as steep.
I was able to visit Shiva, the Destroyer’s, temple, including all four shrines, although I only photographed my two favorites.
The wall carvings told the religious story of Ramayana for those unable to read, just like the Catholic cathedrals and the Buddhist temples visually represented those religious beliefs.
When we had had our fill of the temple experience, we headed for the bus, but were stopped by this young woman who wanted a photo so she could show her friends how HUGE women grow in America.
Jeanne and I look like we are able to leap tall buildings in a single bound, standing next to these petite Indonesians!
According to our itinerary, we were supposed to be heading for lunch “on our own”, but Widi had yet another surprise in store for us. Instead, we visited his friend, where we were treated to enough Indonesian snacks that lunch later was unimaginable.
But wait, there’s more! after a brief rest, we headed to a batik institute, where we learned how these intricate designs are created. What a laborious process!
How could we leave without making a purchase? Of course, I needed a photo with the woman who created what will become a gift.
Our stay in Yogyakarta is rapidly coming to an end.
Another beautiful, modern airport, with fantastic artwork.
Thanks to the Somerset Hills YMCA, I can hold this pose. We are boarding shortly, so you know the drill. Published without proof reading!
