I had a good time at the toastmasters’ convention in Medan and enjoyed the rustic charm of Lake Toba.
This was my first toastmasters’ convention outside Malaysia and so it was a good experience for me. About 300 toastmasters came from Malaysia, Indonesia and Brunei. Mornings were filled with speeches, workshops and the nights were for merriment. My hats off to the organizers on the success of the convention. During the convention we stayed at the Tiara Hotel and during this time we did not get to see much of Medan.
The first night of the convention was fun as it was the “Ulos Nite” were everyone used ulos a traditional woven scarf by the Batak ethic people. I got myself an orange ulos for RM20.00.
The convention ended on Sunday and after lunch we started our Lake Toba tour. All together there were about 57 of us so we travelled by 2 bus coaches. It took us about 5 hours to reach Parapat, a small town on the shore of Lake Toba. We passed wide plantation of oil palm tress, rubber estates and padi fields. It was drizzling and it took us another 30 minutes to go by diesel boat to Samosir island. Samosair is an island in Lake Toba and is home to the Toba Batak- a prominent ecthic group in the archiplogo. The Lake is bigger than Singapore so just image how big it really is. We spend a night at one of the rest houses and the air was so cold that there was no need for air conditioner and the rooms did not have one anyway.
The next morning, it was so refreshing and rejuvenating to wake up on the island surrounded by beautiful sceneries and fresh air. When you look at the Lake you are will be really amazed at nature’s creation from a gigantic volcanic eruption. We first Tuk-Tuk and Ambarita two tourists centres at the Lake. The locals are well versed in English and communication is not a problem at all. We were brief on the history of the Batak people and did some shopping.
We then left the Lake to go Parapat and spend a night at the Niaga International Hotel. We could still enjoy the view of the Lake. We also visited a monkey rehab centre at Parapat. The next day we left Parapat to Medan and spend the night at Danau Toab International Hotel. During the span of 5 nights/6 days, we had the opportunity of staying at four different hotels. Wow were practically living in suit cases and for once it was quite fun. We also did a lot of shopping for souvenirs and the batiks were beautiful.
Medan’s food is chilli hot as chillies “padi” is one of the main ingredient to the dishes. We also snacked on a lot of fried stuff, chips and crisps as you can find them in abundance.
Medan is only about 55 minutes from Kuala Lumpur by flight. I would like to go to Lake Toba again to enjoy the natural beauty and relaxed ambiance.
Hope to post some photos in the next posting.
This was my first toastmasters’ convention outside Malaysia and so it was a good experience for me. About 300 toastmasters came from Malaysia, Indonesia and Brunei. Mornings were filled with speeches, workshops and the nights were for merriment. My hats off to the organizers on the success of the convention. During the convention we stayed at the Tiara Hotel and during this time we did not get to see much of Medan.
The first night of the convention was fun as it was the “Ulos Nite” were everyone used ulos a traditional woven scarf by the Batak ethic people. I got myself an orange ulos for RM20.00.
The convention ended on Sunday and after lunch we started our Lake Toba tour. All together there were about 57 of us so we travelled by 2 bus coaches. It took us about 5 hours to reach Parapat, a small town on the shore of Lake Toba. We passed wide plantation of oil palm tress, rubber estates and padi fields. It was drizzling and it took us another 30 minutes to go by diesel boat to Samosir island. Samosair is an island in Lake Toba and is home to the Toba Batak- a prominent ecthic group in the archiplogo. The Lake is bigger than Singapore so just image how big it really is. We spend a night at one of the rest houses and the air was so cold that there was no need for air conditioner and the rooms did not have one anyway.
The next morning, it was so refreshing and rejuvenating to wake up on the island surrounded by beautiful sceneries and fresh air. When you look at the Lake you are will be really amazed at nature’s creation from a gigantic volcanic eruption. We first Tuk-Tuk and Ambarita two tourists centres at the Lake. The locals are well versed in English and communication is not a problem at all. We were brief on the history of the Batak people and did some shopping.
We then left the Lake to go Parapat and spend a night at the Niaga International Hotel. We could still enjoy the view of the Lake. We also visited a monkey rehab centre at Parapat. The next day we left Parapat to Medan and spend the night at Danau Toab International Hotel. During the span of 5 nights/6 days, we had the opportunity of staying at four different hotels. Wow were practically living in suit cases and for once it was quite fun. We also did a lot of shopping for souvenirs and the batiks were beautiful.
Medan’s food is chilli hot as chillies “padi” is one of the main ingredient to the dishes. We also snacked on a lot of fried stuff, chips and crisps as you can find them in abundance.
Medan is only about 55 minutes from Kuala Lumpur by flight. I would like to go to Lake Toba again to enjoy the natural beauty and relaxed ambiance.
Hope to post some photos in the next posting.
