Friday, February 4, 2011

Of 'mujopahit' the fruit, Yogyakarta etc

Just got back from a most pleasant 6-day break in Jogjakarta. Last time I was there was in 1978 and God it has grown so much, and so has Solo. And Borobodur and Prambanan are so well restored and facilitated for visitors, though unfortunately there were hardly any the days I was at each places (perhaps 20 at Borobudor and a few more in Prambanan, also a small handful of visitors at the kraton in Solo). When I visited them in '78 they were undergoing restoration by UNESCO and visitors were only allowed to see designated parts of the monuments. Now I saw them in their full glory. The Merapi volcano eruption has all but driven tourists away though there was no danger whatsoever.

The hotel I stayed in at Jogja had but a handful of guests. A pity but perfectly agreeable with me. I had an absolutely fabulous time and really pampered myself. Had to buy another suitcase for all the batiks and stuffs I bought.  People were so kind, friendly, polite and service orientated. Now why can't spoilt, over privileged Malaysians be a bit like that! I shall henceforth try not to get too annoyed with the Indonesian workers here as they are only to eke a living given the situation back home!


Anyway more about Borobodur, Prambanan and Solo later (sorry Evert I gave Imogiri a skip this time, I am sure I look better in that rented batik sarong bare-chested in '78 than I would today!). I just want to share photos of some fruits I took in Nasirun's garden. I am sure I had seen them in Malaysia but they don't grow on trunks like these. Nasirun said they are called 'mujopahit' because they are bitter though not edible. Anyway, really fascinating as you can see! Anyone has further info about these fruits?

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