The silence of Mangkunegaran Palace set my steps to leave one of power entities of kings era in Java Island. Towards half past six in the afternoon, I continued a survey agenda to Laweyan area.
An online taxi which I ordered would slowly penetrate traffic jam around Keprabon area, i.e an area where Mangkunegaran Palace was sat. Slowly I headed west, crossing Honggowongso Street and completed by fulfilling a current along Dr. Rajiman Street.
After covering a distance of five kilometers and within a span of fifteen minutes, I was dropped off at the bank of Solo River, on east side to be precise. At this stage, at first I wanted to visit Kampung Batik Laweyan, but I canceled. I chose to would directed Marketing Conference participants to Kampung Batik Kauman because of its strategic location and on the route of Jaladara Tour Train.
I quickly thought to eliminate Kampung Batik Laweyan from the list of destinations and I chose a replacement destination, namely Jongke Market. This market would become a destination for hunting food souvenirs for all participants later.
In fact, there was nothing special in this twenty-eight year old market apart from prices which were offered by food souvenir sellers inside. Amazingly, I still found food souvenirs at a price of seven thousand Rupiah in this market.
I started my exploration in an area around Jongke Market by visiting the famous food souvenir outlet, i.e Toko Bu Cokro. This shop which was located right on the side of Dr. Rajiman Street was so striking because of large size of the shop to massive food souvenir displays. I myself got a recommendation for this place from one of my colleague who came from Solo.
Meanwhile, precisely on front opposite were row of food souvenir outlets with the largest stall called Erlangga Jaya. Some food souvenir such as ampyan, chicken fried claw and intip were quickly seen in this outlet. Meanwhile, the front yard which also had function as a parking area looked neat with pavling block.
Meanwhile, I realized that Jongke Market itself has been closed since an hour ago. I was just trying to find out its location to get accurate information. I took my steps towards the west, passed Solo River and arrived within three hundred meters. A row of bicycle stalls could be clearly seen from road side. Meanwhile, at inside, there were rows of sweets, vegetables, groceries, meat and clothing stalls. The name of Jongke itself was also used by a village name which was located around market.
Meanwhile, in a series of Marketing Conference agendas, Jongke Market would be accompanied by other destinations in same category, namely Javenir which is located one kilometer on the western boundary of Solo City and Toko Abon Mesran Mistopawiro which is located in Jayengan area. So it was hoped that all participants would be spoiled by the existence of several options for hunting food souvenirs.
The afternoon slowly turned dark, while my itinerary still featured six places to visit. It didn’t matter if that places still open or have closed, I would visit it.
Let’s continued…..