Wandering the Jl Slamet Riyadi, Solo's Main Avenue

Eating by a street graffiti in Solo Walking has been the usual way for me to get oriented with a new place. It gives me a better perspective...

Eating by a street graffiti in Solo

Walking has been the usual way for me to get oriented with a new place. It gives me a better perspective on a place and familiarize myself with the landmarks near the place where I am staying. It’s also a great way to take a glimpse of the local’s everyday life. Like for Solo (or Surakarta), this city unraveled its unique character by seeing it on foot along the paved pedestrian walk of Jl Slamet Riyadi. The low-rise buildings, the less touristy crowd, a sit-back and relax atmosphere, amiable people and great showing of Javanese culture. After setting down my baggage at Cakra Homestay, I went out for an afternoon walk along Solo’s main avenue.

Street graffiti adding a splash of color in Solo

Jl Slamet Riyadi Creative Vibe

After a satisfying “Nasi Goreng” lunch at Kusuma Sari found on the corner-side, my first priority was to get a physical map I could bring around. I found out the Tourism Office was on the west end stretch of the main Jl Slamet Riyadi avenue so I decided to walk the stretch.

First thing I noticed while walking were some colorful graffiti on some buildings. It’s not as many as the ones in Yogyakarta but they look nice making the city more vibrant.

A local posing on a multi-colored wall

Easy Going and Amiable People

Among the passing bikes, public becak (pedicabs) and a few vehicles, I didn’t seem to notice a lot of people in a hurry. Many seem to like to socialize by the street-side eateries enjoying casual conversation over food. Most of the eateries only have some floor mats where diners would sit down for the snack. Some locals there even didn’t mind having their photos taken. They would even pose too.

The people at the Tourism Office just before the mall were very accommodating. They gave very good suggestions on where I should go during my few days stay. I walked back towards the east side of the road. Dropping by first at Danar Hadi Batik Museum which took me about an hour to tour.

One of the stalls at the Culinary Night Market

Culinary Night Market

It was already late afternoon so I decided to go further to what they call the Culinary Night Market for dinner. It has a row of stalls selling a variety of meals. One I fancied had some quail eggs and mushrooms to grill. It was cheap, delicious and the place has a very cool atmosphere.

It was a pleasurable afternoon walk. I think a lot of city attractions in Solo are walkable if one is in the mood for it.

Keeping the sidewalk clean

Enjoying good food at the street side

The busy pedestrian sidewalk

 

Food choices

The Culinary Night Market