Interview with Barrie about Yogyakarta Indonesia

Barrie is in Bali right now, and will be for another few weeks. Barrie’s wife Candika, is from Yogyakarta, in Central Java, and Barrie lived there for 10 years. I asked him a few questions on why he liked the place.

Baliblog:
When did you first go to Yogyakarta?
Barrie:
1993

Baliblog:
Why did you go to Yogya?
Barrie:
I had a conversation with some tourists in Bali, who did a day trip to Yogya and hated it. I decided I would visit.

Baliblog:
What was your impression of Yogya on your first visit?
Barrie:
When I stepped off of the plane I smelt the air and fell in love with the place. My senses were overwhelmed by this culture / new city, its was bright, alive, colorful. People were so friendly all the way through. It was the warmth of the city that attracted me.

Baliblog:
When did you move to Yogya?
Barrie:
End of 1993

Baliblog:
Why did you move to Yogya
Barrie:
Plain and simple, I feel in love with its culture and people.

Baliblog:
What is it about te culture that you liked?
Barrie:
Yogya is the cultural heart of Indo. Some people says its the cultural heart in Java, but I say its the cultural heart of Indo. Very Asian culture, steeped in animism. The culture is based around the kratons. Its a living culture, that is ongoing, that is there in your face. The culture is so wide and diverse, that it would take you a lifetime, to observe it and understand it.

Baliblog:
What was your impression of Yogya on this last visit?
Barrie:
Still as beautiful as ever, even more beautiful.

Baliblog:
What are some of the highlights?
Barrie:
Seeing my old friends and the relo’s.

Baliblog:
What are some of the concrete aspects of daily life there you like?
Barrie:
Every morning I walk down to street, to favourite news vendor, ask him how his family is. Talk to my wife, old barber, talk to some of the vendors, walk down the back streets. I spend most of my time, sitting down drinking and cup of coffee or tea, in a warung, talking to a kaki lima. Its like a circus on the edge of reality, in a play.

Baliblog:
How does Yogya differ from bali?
Barrie:
Its cultural heritage is far purer, and richer than that of Bali. The people of Bali today are less friendly, than they were 10 years ago, whereas the people in Yoyga, were and always be friendly.

Baliblog:
Why do you choose Bali as a place to visit / live over Yogya?
Barrie:
Politically its safer. I like to interact with toursits from all round the world, whereas in Yogya, the tourism dropped dramatically since 9/11. In Bali I can have access to the beach, and the nightlife is better. I have more friends in Yogya than I have here. Bali has a laid back lifestyle, whereas Yoyga travels at a pace, probably 100 times faster than Bali.

Baliblog:
When you will be going back to Yogya.
Barrie:
Very soon.

If you are visiting Bali in the next few weeks, and want to chat with Barrie, email him via his site, Planet Mole.