Having enjoyed a really excellent Advent and Christmas, I took some advice on what to do for New Year's. Everyone gathers in Malioboro or on the open spaces round the Kraton, I was told. But it will be very crowded and very noisy.

Hmmm, we thought, we're not so much for crowded and noisy... And having spotted "trompet" on sale everywhere (I really don't remember coming across these anywhere else), the idea of "noisy" seemed to take on a whole new meaning.

So... We decided to go up the hill to Kaliurang. Booked a place to stay. And deftly manoeuvred ourselves into the New Year's Eve dinner at the Cangkringan.

Having ridden through the rain, we arrived up there like drowned rats. But never mind. Hot showers (hot showers!!) soon put us right.

And the evening gathering was extremely pleasant. Companionable and convivial, but not overwhelming or rowdy. Our kind of thing.

The live music majored on easy-listening Indonesian songs, to which various people karaoked. There was a great barbecue and buffet (all tasty, but my absolute favourite was the dessert: nuts and fruit in a hot ginger liquid that was perfect for Kaliurang's cool temperatures). There were door prizes -- and we who never win anything won a voucher for another night in Kaliurang! And on top of all that, there was a free trompet and firework for big and small alike. We donated our fireworks to the small, but insisted on blowing our own trumpets as midnight struck.

On New Year's Day, we came down from our mountain (in the rain), and enjoyed a long lunch with colleagues and students. When you're living abroad it's very special to be invited into a home. And great food, informal speeches, and surprise presents made it a fun occasion.

Home (through the drizzle) to talk to Nigel's parents on the phone.

It's really been a great holiday season. Very precious.