Yogyakarta - Part 2

Most of my friends thought I was on vacation in Yogyakarta. Little did they know that I spent most of my 2 weeks in the hotel conference room, working. In fact, I barely had time to sight-see (aside for what's planned in the programme for the participants) nor did any shopping throughout the programme. I only did my last minute shopping the last day in Jogja.

I bought my dad's X'mas present when I was at the Batik village with Fitri - hey, can't pass that opportunity, no? And for my mum, thanks to Pembri for introducing his artist-friend, I managed to get an authentic piece of Batik drawing. Oh, trust me, it was the best find! Victor (Kenya) and I were almost fighting for the same piece of art. We were scouting around Malioboro for a few nights with no avail; some were either overpriced for its value, not that captivating, or we were questioning its originality (we were not looking for mass-printed batik paintings).

So, after the Human Rights Day celebration on the 10th December (that's another story to tell saved for another blog post), Roberto (Ecuador), Victor and I followed Pembri to Tamansari/Water Castle where on can find plenty of artistically-talented individuals. Though, one should read up on the "Tamansari scams" online before heading there. As I mentioned before - RESEARCH!!! and READ!!

Us with Sasongka (the artist) at his workshop/home

His workspace

I feel that I missed out much for not checking out Tamansari sooner. The area is like another township all together. That place is famous for the Water Castle - go read up on the history, which I did not get to explore either, but Pembri led us to the top to catch the sunset before we left. Completely mesmerising! I can move to Yogyakarta instantly with such scenic view daily!

Sunset View from Water Castle

If you have insufficient time to do your (last minute) shopping, the place to go to is Mirota Batik. Though I made the mistake of heading there on a weekend and had to persevere through a huge crowd who were acting as if the world will end if they do not purchase a specific item in that store - you know, typical "mak cik shopping" attitude.

I had a few hours after playing tour guide to a few of our African participants in Prambanan (another story to tell), then meeting up with 2 Couch Surfers above Mirota Batik.

I noticed a rather humorous sign near the entrance of Mirota Batik, stopped to take a photo, then wondered if anyone else noticed it. I mean, judging from how ignorant and oblivious most of the shoppers are towards their surrounding, I highly doubt they even thought of getting a good laugh out of it.

Literally translated:

When you sigh:
1. about our service
2. about our products
3. about our staff
4. when you are depressed
5. when you want to commit suicide
6. when you are heart broken
Call this number: 0274-6825450

I can't help but smiling at it, people must have thought I am weird. Oh well!