We've found paradise, and love it.

What a difference a day makes. Today's drive from Purwokerto to Yogyakarta was the easiest of all drives so far, with comparatively less traffic, and a sunny sky from start to finish. It took about 4 hours, as we expected.

Workers planting rice on the way to Yogyakarta

Yogyakarta is the old capital of Indonesia, which many say is the most beautiful city, at least on Java. But we have yet to see it, because when booking our place, we decided we should stay a bit on the outside of town, where we could enjoy some relaxing moments, surrounded by nature.

Well, we struck gold. For the next three days we have rented this house (actually two houses), that is a traditional Javanese house, in the middle of a most serene valley, surrounded by papaya trees, bananas, palms, rice-fields, and congenial people. Surprisingly, this is where we found most Westerners, exponentially Australians.

Love the quaintness

The view from our veranda

One of our two houses. It's a typical Javanese abode.

This is the other

All carved by hand

A small separate kitchen, if we want to use it

Papayas

It was love at first glance, so much so that we opted to forego the planned city tour and just hang out. We have our own, private, small swimming pool, and we have made good use of it.

In the late afternoon we walked around our neighborhood, and found it most pleasant.

Literally around the corner in this small village

We found this house that looked interesting, but unfinished. The owner invited us in to take a look. He plans to complete it by mid-summer, and it is is going to be a stunner, with an indoor fish tank made to walk over, an indoor pool, with a waterfall, and a very unique design. We were very impressed.

Unique style

Window upon entering

Entrance to the pool room

We had dinner at a lovely location, just up the road, called the Blue Steps. Food was great and the view stunning, especially as the sun was setting behind the clouds.

Outdoor dining at the Blue Steps. Actually 99% of all eateries are outdoors, but covered

A bit overexposed, but it looks good on her

Our home complex seen from the restaurant

Sunset was amazing

While there was little drama to report, the peacefulness and serenity of this place will suffice for now. We have found the Java we imagined, and it couldn't be more beautiful.