I don't think I'll ever get this place out of my system... I've been here every year since 2010, and I kind of can't imagine life without Yogya.

Here are some of the highlights of this visit, six days in:

-- Twice sharing iftar (the meal with which Muslims break their fast each day) with former colleagues who now feel more like family



-- Reconnecting with IPIREL in their brand new building, and hearing from the students about their hopes and projects

-- Talking to really lovely, helpful, enthusiastic academics from several universities about my research project



-- Watching Minions with some former students



-- Enjoying the new sculptures along Jalan Malioboro:



-- Enjoying all the old tried and tested eating places (ViaVia, Hani's, Milas, the Ministry of Coffee...) and activities (rummaging for books at "Shopping", taking becak rides, strolling the back streets...)

-- And trying out places that either weren't here when we were, or we never quite got round to, like Lecker for Lombok ginger coffee and durian pancakes, or the Cinema Bakery for generously proportioned panini and big cups of kopi tobruk...





... and in a "new" category all of its own, the outrageously Roman-Baroque Yogya City Mall







Ah, Yogya...