Batik, Puppets and Scouts

We left at 8:00 am for our first tour of the batik factory, batik art studio, the Sultan's Palace, puppet studio and water palace. Pedicabs met us at our hotel to pick us up. It's a great way to get around. When it rains, the driver places opaque plastic all around you, so you can't really see the array of vehicles coming your way, except for the headlights of various motor scooters and cars. You are seated in front of the driver!

The batik factory and art studio were interesting. We had an opportunity to try our hand at applying the paraffin oil wax. It looks easy, but it isn't. I purchased a batik head scarf and later on a small painting. Eventually, I'll need to buy a sarong as this will be needed in Bali when visiting the sights there.

There is a long history of Scouting in Indonesia and many of them, both boys and girls, were visiting the Sultan's Palace today. The current Sultan, #10, was a boy scout.

The gamalan orchestra at the Sultan's Palace was a real treat and included a full array of traditional instruments and singers.

Indonesian shadow puppets are made of buffalo hide and we watched them being made. This was especially enjoyable since we have two of them at home and weren't entirely aware of their history. There are several generations of puppet makers in this part of the island.

Our timing vis a vis the rain was pretty good today. It didn't start in earnest until we sat down for lunch. This restaurant was one of many buffet spots in Yogya with a fabulous spread - all kinds of veggie and meat dishes, jackfruit, ginger tea and fresh guava and mango juices. Modern Javanese dancers kept us entertained while we waited for the rain to clear.