After our sunrise Borobudur experience, we checked out of the first hotel and headed toward the second hotel in Yogyakarta city, but we made a detour to the Elo River for some river rafting. Had to get another picture with a total stranger first. His son was too scared of us to get in the picture!
This was the boys' first time rafting and they absolutely loved it. It was a great mix of rapids (not too big) and gentle current, so it was completely enjoyable. We even spotted a lot of monitor lizards along the way.
Because of all the rainfall the day before, we saw waterfalls all over the place.
We took a quick break to get fresh coconuts, then finished up our fun ride. We had two guides as well so we didn't even have to paddle much.
On the way to the next hotel - "I'm not tired!"
We were pretty beat from our busy day, so we relaxed at the pool and enjoyed the dinner buffet at the Hyatt. Everything was so pretty decorated for Chinese New Year.
Saturday morning was stunning. Clear blue skies and a view of Mt. Merapi from the hotel hallway!
Ben was a bit put off that we were in a Toyota, not a Jeep, but since it was old, beat up, and a stick shift, he was plenty enthralled. Not to mention that we didn't have a roof.
Incredible views!
Our first stop was a small museum from the 2010 eruption, which lasted for a few months and did a lot of damage. We couldn't read much of the signs, but from what I gathered, this house survived with major lava and ash damage.
Their TV did not fare well!
The gamelan survived, though.
We visited some beautiful sights and were so fortunate to have amazing views.
The highlight for the kids - offroading through a stream and getting wet. I think they would have done this part all day!
After our Jeep tour, we visited Yogyakarta for a little shopping. I loved these bike rickshaws (becak) that were all over town.
I was excited to visit a Wayung puppet shop where they make traditional Javanese shadow puppets.
They are all hand crafted from water buffalo hide and horn.
Each one is hand painted with specific meaning and elements of design.
The finished products were beautiful and I was happy to take two home!
After all of our adventures, it was time to relax by the pool for the afternoon. The waterslide was made to look like a temple. Alex is waving from the top.
The kids played on it for hours!
I finally dragged them out when the sun started to set. What a great way to spend the afternoon.
The next morning, one of the sweet servers remembered Ben at the breakfast buffet and knew he was the kid that wanted pork bacon. Many hotels here only serve beef bacon because the kitchens are halal and pork has to be cooked elsewhere. Ben has learned the system and knows to ask now because many places will do it on request. That's a happy boy!
After a little more swimming, some golf for Matt, and a few more hours to relax, we made the quick trip home and finish out a great weekend.
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