The day started with the usual routine of having breakfast at our hotel and walking along the same route to the nDalem Pengulon (our work base). It is already our third week in Yogyakarta, but it feels like we arrived here not long ago. Time passes quickly when all of us are fully concentrated and happily engrossed in our work. Usual morning ritual to walk to our work base is always enjoyable as we get to sense the community spirit of Kauman. The locals actively go about preparing their morning routine and setting up their vending carts for the day. Along the main alley of Kauman, a few cats cuddle one another and sleep soundly in a corner while some roosters freely take their morning stroll. When the local school’s bell rings at the end of class, many children run out from the kindergarten to meet their parents who stand outside waiting for them. Walking past H. Moeh. Batikhandel house reminds of our currently on-going production of measured drawings at the nDalem Pengulon, where an intense atmosphere awaits. With time running out quickly (only a week remaining before the end of this field school), many of us cross-reference with each other to check and re-check for any discrepancies in our drawings. All participants are rushing to complete their respective tasks while coordinating with other teams to get the drawings complete for the field school exhibition on Aug 1. While focusing on to complete the drawings, it is important for us to experience the sense of Kauman first-hand to understand the significance of heritage and the local community in managing historic Asian cities."
