The Friendly Sultenate

I've been studying in Yogyakarta for the past two weeks. Last time i came to Indonesia i stayed for almost six weeks. It's a relaxed and friendly city that can prove very hard to leave.

I arrived on the train from Bandung with a nasty bout of gastro. I had too little strength to bargain for a becak and walked to the Kampung like Sosrwo to find somewhere nice to stay for a week. I eventually found that place and then collapsed for the next three days. But then i got better and remembered all the reasons why i stayed last time.

I've spent my days and nights studying, reading books and newspapers, writing, eating delicious cheap meals, wandering the street and markets and always, always chatting with the many strangers whose passion for conversation knows no bounds. My Indonesian has improved considerably here thanks to all the people i've talked to, but particularly my teachers. I'm confident of being able to do most things i need to do now.

Tomorrow i leave for Lombok and on Sunday start the four day trek to the summit of the giant Gunung Rinjani. But now i must rest.