Yogya

Yogya, or Yogyakarta (pronounced more like Jogjyakarta), is a major tourist destination because of its proximity to the temple complexes of Borobudur and Prambanan. But we also found it interesting as having many vibrant examples of Javanese art.

We stayed in the Phoenix Hotel, which we found to be fabulous. The only thing missing from the wonderful breakfasts was real bacon, which you won't find in this Muslim country. The staff was ever attentive and always accommodating with utmost grace. True Indonesian style.

This is the famous Marliaboro Street, named after the Duke of Marlborough. Much of Indonesia was briefly taken over by the British during the Napoleonic Wars, with Stamford Raffles of Singapore fame appointed as governor of Java. Here you can find almost anything from cheap batiks to exquisite hand made Javanese batiks. There are many grades, just like diamonds!

If you look closely you will see both horse-drawn carts and people-powered tricycle rickshaws called "becaks" (pronounced "bey-chak").

Here we see a corpulent European overwhelming a poor little becak, which are often seen carrying 3-4 Javanese. We often traveled this way as regular taxis are hard to find. We were chagrined to discover that a auto taxi often cost half of a becak. Because we have been eating our way across the world, we have become laden with the poundage. One might think sailing is a vigorous sport , but if you are not diving daily, the weight sneaks up on you. We see more diving in our future. Red Sea, here we come!!!!

Many streets are not big enough for cars, so motorcycles and becaks rule.

Here we are amidst the crush of the multi-level market of Beringharjo. It is a textile shoppers' and pickpockets' paradise. There seem to be thousands of batik shirts, each unique.

Here the admiral catches Ernest Hubingway engaged in one of his favorite pastimes - eating.

One of the high points of visiting Yogya is seeing the Hindu epic Ramayana performed.

We gave Java a miss when we sailed through Indonesia 2 years ago, thinking the locals were hostile to infidel Europeans. We couldn't have been more wrong. The Javanese, at least in Yogya, are some of the most graceful, polite and friendly people one could ever hope to meet. We were dazzled by the vibrant colors and styles seen on even the lowliest becak driver.

Indonesia is a fabulous place to visit. It's a shame jihadis have ruined the tourist industry here as the locals are wonderful and the sights are unique in the world.

Speaking of sights, lets start seeing some at Borobudur!

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