While we were in Solo (you might find it as Surakarta on the map), we went to an old market. We tried rice that was cooked in banana leaves until solid and sticky. To eat it, the “log” is then cut into slices and topped with shredded fresh coconut meat. Delicious!
We also got a free snakefruit from the vendor. It gets the name from the peel. It is not super sweet, but I like the mild flavor – it tastes somewhat similar to lychee and rambutan to me.
Tag Archives: Java
Steep Hillside Plantation!
While on our fun roadtrip around Java, we visited the area around Mount Lawu. Much of the steep hillsides were covered in tea plants.
I hadn’t known how bushy the tea plant looks before this trip. After my youth seeing the farms on the American midwestern plains, I definitely didn’t imagine farms on steep steep slopes. (The tea plants like the cooler temperatures from the higher elevations)
So I bring you a photo of a tea plantation in Java…
and if you were wondering, unprocessed mature tea leaves are slightly bitter and have almost no hint of the flavor of the final beverage – I had to try 🙂
Giant Grasshopper!
We saw this grasshopper while walking around one afternoon. Matt’s hand is in the photo for scale reference. Amazing!
Candi Ceto (Ceto Temple)
Candi Ceto is a Hindu temple that appears to float high above the clouds. It is located on the western slope of Mount Lawu. Since it was built in the 15th century, it has a more Javanese architecture than the Indian-inspired temples of the 7th century. One of the traits that make it worth a visit is its many statues representing masculinity. Candi Ceto is still used as a place of worship today.
Sunrise at Mount Bromo
On January 21st 2015, we woke up at 3 AM, hopped into a Jeep, and off-roaded through the “sea of sand”  to watch sunrise at the Mount Bromo overlook. The scenery did not seem real. We were high above the clouds near an actively billowing crater. The gathered crowd consisted of people from all over the globe, each anxiously awaiting the arrival of the sun. After sunrise we headed back down. We traversed the “sea of sand” on foot while most rode on horseback to the stairs leading to the crater’s rim.
The stairs were very steep, the air had a faint aroma of sulfur, and the views were unforgettable.
A beautiful tour through Candirejo, a Javanese village
While we were in the area near Borobudur, we took a tour ofthe village of Candirejo by Andong, a horse drawn carraige. Our tour guide, Mr. Budi, was incredibly kind, and he taught us a lot about life in the village. We had the chance to watch someone making cassava crackers (and try them!), attempt to play gamelan (traditional Javanese music which sounds beautiful unless I am playing it), and enjoy jasmine black tea with palm sugar. Overall, we enjoyed seeing this beautiful village. Next time, I’ll have to do a homestay!
the mint tea drinkers society 