The best fruit salad in Southeast Asia.
October 16th, 2008
I’ve just left Samosir Island on Lake Toba in Sumatra and I didn’t want to leave. What an amazing place. And, at the Hotel Carolina they have the best fruit salad in Southeast Asia. That’s what the 1975 Lonely Planet guide to Southeast Asia said and so far on my trip I still think it might be the same. The papayas, bananas and pineapples were sitting on a thin layer of condensed milk mixed with lime juice then topped off with shaved coconut and… sprinkles of Milo. The Hotel Carolina was also listed as being the ‘nicest cheap accomodation in Southeast Asia’ back in 75. I think that is still probably true as well. A nice room (without a view of the lake) is 20,000 rupiah (which is about $A2.30). I upgraded to a lake view with hot shower and private balcony for $8.00. Below are a couple of photos of my view, my balcony and my $8.00 room. The most amazing thing of all was that there were hardly any tourists on this stunning island with its clear warm waters (it’s the deepest crater lake in the world) and, excuse the cliche, breathtaking views. I think I’ve found the place to write my next book. You’d just have to get me out of the water long enough.
