We set off this mornings to climb the 700m volcano which looms above the village we are staying in. Over the last 10 years the village has added to its income by crafting a route through crevices and the jungle and providing homestays so idiots like us can climb it. At times it was hard going climbing up bamboo ladders and we were all sweating like pigs when we got to the top. It only took an hour and a bit and we stopped frequently to admire the view over yogyakarta
and the volcanoes in the distance . At the top we had a few seconds by the flag because there was a sudden tropical rain shower so we descended the mountain. We had to be a bit more careful as the ground had become slippery. Our local guide pointed out the local flora that can be used for medicine and "recreation purposes". There were also wild avocado,cocoa and papaya trees. At the base of the mountain a farmer was keeping goats in stalls in such a way as to collect the urine/faeces for fertiliser and feeding them the abundant greenery which boosts milk production. They looked quite content. We boarded our local transportation,an open lorry,which hurtled through the village to their pride and joy,a dam. Built in 3 months ,a few years back,it provides a water for 20ha of loganberry and durian trees below. We had a lovely mid morning snack of local fruits and jasmine tea here before visiting a little cottage industry making chocolate. The production really is one commercial mixer and all done by hand. We tasted their hot chocolate and bought a small packet for tea time and some chocolate covered banana pieces for our next train journey . A short drive and it was back to our home stay for lunch and goodbyes.
We drove back to yogyakarta to visit Prambanan,Java's largest hindu temple. Built in the 9th century at the same time as a buddhist complex nearby we visit tomorrow. It was built sufficiently far away from active volcanoes and tsunamis from the sea but sadly earth quakes have damaged it greatly over the years,the last time only 10 years ago. Some of the temples have been renovated and still have the statuary.Once a year it gets used as a temple and 20 thousand hindus attend. We were,of course,mobbed by children wanting their photos taken with us and apart from us there were only 2 other western couples visiting. We even had our own entrance with western loos and free tea/coffee! We made it to our hotel in time for a visit to the laundry across the road who was far more reasonable than hotel. Sadly we have rain again so no dip in the pool but we stay 2 nights here so "manana". In the evening we strolled down to the bars/restaurant area one block away for a non rice meal,three times in one day was too much.The area was surprisingly quiet but apparently tourism is down a lot which is a shame as there is a lot to see and do and it is relatively cheap.