It's Not Gawga, It;s Yogya

This evil prince in one of the gamelon performances at the Sultan's palace today was eventually slain by the good prince, an unusual twist to a familiar tale.

Eight dancers performed a beautiful and graceful dance that was so soothing that I almost went to sleep. I was wishing for a hammock.

These were some street performers who seemed to be going in and out of businesses dancing a bit and I expect dispensing blessings and collecting money. Where I saw them was, oddly, a tire shop.

I am now in Yojakarta, a city whose name is easily confused with the name of the capital, Jakarta. The common practice here is to call Jojakarta Yogya and the pronunciation is just about the same as we locals say "Gawga," as in "Gawga Bulldogs." I am still not in love with Indonesia which is pretty disappointing after so many years of anticipation, but my opinion is improving. I indulged in a bit of shopping therapy this afternoon and tomorrow I am booked to visit Borobudur, an 6-7 century Buddhist temple and Prambanan, a Hindu temple from 8-10th centuries. I was at the Sultan's Palace here in Jogya today for a self guided tour and also a show of some classical Javanese dance which was very graceful and tranquilizing and I nearly fell asleep. Things are looking up.

As far as the shopping therapy, it was a rainy afternoon and I ducked into a comfortable dry shopping mall. I ran into a "Croc" shop and decided to try some on and walked out with 2 pair. I had long ago decided not to wear "Crocs", but the price was irresistable. I hope not too many people laugh at me! Once my purse strings were untied I continued shopping in the outdoor market where I ran into a few very unusual local crafts.