This trip lived in my drafts for ages because I thought I’d scheduled it. Plot twist: I did not. Anyway, late posts still count as memories, right? 😌

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Morning

I woke up determined to squeeze every nostalgic drop out of Jogja. Last visit was 3–4 years ago with friends; this time it was just me, my “experimental” makeup, and a very sentimental playlist.

After Prambanan yesterday, I headed for Borobudur. It’s fully open now (last time it was under restoration), and standing in front of all those carved stories gave me chills. I kept thinking: wow, time changes everything. 

Except how tiny I feel beside a temple.

We refueled at House of Balcony in Ambarukmo Plaza. True to the name, we sat on the balcony with a city view (hi, Royal Ambarrukmo!).

AUS Beef Ribeye: solid, but I accidentally ordered it well-done (rookie move).

Norwegian Salmon: perfectly cooked, bright with lemon.

Nasi goreng ikan asin: the surprising winner. I inhaled it so fast I forgot to take a photo. 

(Would you accept a picture of the empty plate? 😂)

Price ballpark: food from ~IDR 25-200; steaks ~IDR 80-200. 

If you’re me, just go straight for the fried rice every time.

Quick stop at Hotel Royal Ambarrukmo for an errand, which obviously included a mirror selfie. I’ve been unlearning that old habit of comparing my body to everyone else’s. Progress is not linear, but hey, I’m gentler with myself than last year. I’ll take it. 💛

It's at 8 o'clock and I'm so FUNGRY. 

By 8 PM I was FUNGRY (hungry + dramatic). We hit The Waroeng of Raminten (Jl. Kaliurang). It’s huge, eclectic, and perfect for long chats.

I had ayam goreng and capcay; both hit the spot.

Prices live around IDR 10-35. Service can be slow, so bring stories to tell.