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Other entries in Surakarta

History

Spent the morning touring around the city, went to the Kraton Surakarta which is home to Sultan Pakubuwono XII, who's family and time in this location date back to 1745. When they transfered everything belonging to the King, inculding the royal banyan trees, which still stand in the Alun Alun (main square). Most of the palace is closed off to the public as it still house's the royal family although their power has how decreased greatly, had a guide give me ator of the exhibits and the grounds who was able to explain the history of the palace and family as well as the traditions.  Like they have a private teak forest for which they use to replace any wood which is damaged, and how the previous had 5 wifes and 35 children, the new Sultan who came in 2 years ago has only 3 wifes.

 Also went to visit Puri Mangkunegaran which is the home of the second house of Solo, but this was actually closed for a private cermony, I had been allowed to wander in by the security at the gate, while trying to find the ticket office, but a old man attending the event who I spoke to explained to me what had been going on, it had just finished.

After lunch wandered around a couple of the markets arrouund the city, I found the place to be very friendly compared to some reports, this being one of the cities which has had problems with links to extremists groups, but everyone I meet seemed to be pleased that I was staying in the city. Did not actually see another white person while I was here.