After blagging our way through "self
service" free breakfast at the horror hostel, which consisted of us making our own eggs on toast (there was also the option of buffalo skins, tofu and jack fruit but we avoided those...) we quickly escaped Casa De Raffles and moved to a beautiful new hostel called Venezia Gardens - with a pool!

We went out for a day of touristing and walked through the pretty little neighbourhoods until we reached the Kraton, "the palace". We were given an English speaking guide. she was so sweet and kept laughing and giggling, who took us around and told us some information. Indonesian decorations are so detailed and intricate so the palace really was beautiful. Indonesia was under the rule of the Dutch for many many years, and when it finally sought independence it was taken over by the Japanese during the Second World War but only for a couple of years before the Dutch once again took control. Indonesia finally achieved full independence in 1949.

It was really strange seeing photographs of Indonesian Kings in Boy Scout uniforms due to the Dutch influence - a very bizarre mix. Our guide told us that females were not allowed to take the thrown, so seeing as the current king has only two children - both girls - there is no heir! The previous king had 23 wives and 80 children but only one "show wife"; the public were led to believe that he had only the one wife and she gave him all 80 children- ludicrous, and I'm sure completely impossible, gullible Indonesians. The residential quarters are still lived in by the royal family and the dining hall and reception area still used for special events such as weddings and religious holidays.

Needing a break from the absolutely sweltering heat we went for lunch at a street restaurant and had interesting wonton soups. We headed to Malioboro to visit the Pasar Beringharjo (market) in hope to buy some bit and pieces, but the market was so crazy and intense we quickly retreated back to our hostel for a dip in the pool.

After chatting to people in the hostel we went for dinner at a small restaurant called Taunte Lies on someone's recommendation and had the best meal. There are some lovely people in the hostel. We got chicken sate, gado-gado and fried noodles with shrimp, chicken, veg and meat which were all delicious and worked so well in combination. Indonesian food seems so much healthier than other dishes around Asia being a lot less greasy and they are so great with cooking vegetables; everything is seasoned and flavoured so well.