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Solo is located at a distance of 60 kilometer away from Yogyakarta. This town
was previously known as Surakarta. In earlier times, Solo used to be a royal seat
of power. Though the glorious days are now over, the remains of palaces and other
royal constructions still remain. Though larger in size than Yogyakarta, Solo
sports a much laid back atmosphere. The unhurried and languid lifestyle offers
welcome break to travelers long confined in the hustle bustle of modern city life.
Though a town, Solo nonetheless is well linked with all parts of Indonesia by
bus, taxi, train as well as by air. The town even has an international airport.
Though domestic flights mainly land here; the airport also receives direct flights
from Singapore and Kuala Lumpur. With tourists coming from a lot of places, markets
in this city offer exciting shopping options. Pasar Triwindu Market sells
antiques and souvenirs on cheap
Located at a short distance away from Mangkunegara palace, Pasar Triwindu Market
is the best place in Solo to buy antiques. The dealers here collect and sell
old European, Javanese and Chinese furniture, paintings and other old items.
Apart from these items, coins; statues made of bronze or curved of stone; old
bottles and old musical instruments are sold here too. The really prized items
in this market are however batik stamps. The stamps are made of brass. One good
way to recognize a really old batik stamp is by looking at its color. The authentic
ones are black with crusted ink.
Take a walk around dozens of shops located in this market. You would be surprised
by the quality and beautiful designs of porcelain made dinner and tea sets;
goblets; vases and other souvenirs. All the items sold here can be bargained.
Do not however forget to negotiate before you pay for them.
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