Friday:
Took the 8am train from Gambir. They told me to get there an hour before, but I am not sure why as the train only turned up 10 mins before and it's reservations only. Trains are great, air con, loads of leg room and seat back better than on planes. They have TV on which shows movies or music videos. And the journey is lovely, going through villages, rice fields and by mountains. I wasn't quite sure how to order food so survived on a bag of crisps.
Took a taxi which I thought could have been negotiated down further, but frankly we are talking of pennies so not worth the hassle of carrying my humongous bag to the next one!
I am staying at the Hotel Indah Palace (HIP - see what they've done?) which has large rooms and a lovely swimming pool, if not all a bit cramped together. Also you may as well have no windows as you can hear people walk past. The hotel is in the Prawirotaman area which is the "upmarket" area.
I had an evening meal at the nearby ViaVia cafe, where a live singer was performing. Good food and excellent atmosphere. They also provide touring facilities, all employing local youth and green principles.

Saturday:
Early start the next day as everything opens at 8 to shut at 1-3 pm, I think due to heat? I went to visit the Kraton, sultan palace, followed by water palace (a bit desolate) and the Dutch old fort. The latter was more interesting culturally as half is translated into English detailing the history since Dutch invasion (think the translator got bored by room 3?). In retrospect I should have had a guide in the Kraton but I was able to eavesdrop.
Back to ViaVia for lunch as Kraton area not very tempting. Swimming pool and first massage of the stay, hard life!
Ate at a lovely restaurant in the evening, set in a small traditional Javanese house, called Kesuma. It's owned by a Java-French couple and really worth it. No French service here, if a bit slow!

Sunday:
Another early start as I organised for a cycle tour of nearby village 8-12 with Viavia. Met by 2 very knowledgeable students who told me a lot about village organisation and security, growing and harvesting rice, religion and getting married!

Now waiting to be picked up from hotel to go to language school and guest house accommodation.

What I have learnt:
Motorbikes owners wear helmets, but not their children or baby
Groups of women love having their picture taken with me. Feels good.
Roads are not pedestrian friendly with often no pavement. Cycles and motorbikes will generally avoid you, have faith.
Live Javanese rap sounds like English rap. Still bloody awful.
5 things make men successful and rich. Wife comes before birds, but after motorbike (horse in the past). Think land was first.