I visited two markets in Laweyan Solo, one of which, my guide Eco described as more middle class and the other, which he didn’t want to take me to was for the locals. He said there were pick pockets there and we had to be careful. I insisted I’d like to see the local market, guessing it would have more character and it certainly did !

The so described “middle class” market was set within what appeared to be a multi-storey car park, not what I’d expected at all. Inside though it was bright and colourful and each small bay was stuffed to the brim with colourful batik, most of it printed ( so not much batik at all ). It was hectic, bustling and difficult not to pass by the sellers without feeling bad for not buying, I did however buy a batik shirt.

The Local market was even busier than the first, there were hundreds of people selling all sorts of textiles, T shirts, home wares and some questionably authentic batik, all of them wanting customers, I stuck out a mile so was chivied and pleaded with constantly. The stalls were tightly packed with only narrow aisles to pass through, it was like a maze of coloured fabrics !

There was so much to see but the hassle and pleading was off putting, I was relieved to get out. Outside many colourful bejaks waited with their riders, there were all sorts of fruit stands, people shopping, motorcycles whizzing by. I almost lost Eco while taking my photos, he seemed a bit agitated and wanted to get me back to the car ! I hadn’t felt unsafe at all, only hassled by very determined ladies at the market.

It was the end of a busy day with a 2 hour drive back to my hotel in Yogya so I guess Eco was right, it was time to go.

It was an exhausting day, once back at the hotel I was pleased to sit for dinner and go to bed.