Still Borneo plus Brunei

Strictly lime juice!

Diesel station

I'm not doing this again!

Mosque rising above the river dwellings

After a brief overnight stop in Miri, we travelled across the border to the capital city of Brunei Darussalam, Bander Seri Bergawan (BSB).  We stayed at a great hotel in the centre of the city with it's own gym and pool.  I had both to myself which can't be bad which meant that I could run indoors instead of offending the local population by venturing outdoors in shorts.  Brunei is a small sultanate split into two parts by Malaysian Borneo.  A strictly Islamic country, alcohol is prohibited and any nightclubs and bars closed down in the 1990s.  This pleased Simon and Ben, those well known party animals, no end.  Not!!  The city itself is a fascinating if somewhat strange place.  The city centre consists primarily of government buildings, with limited housing and as such the streets are devoid of people.  At times we were the only people walking on the street.  The city is one of great contrasts.  Most of the population live on the river in stilted houses which look a world apart from the grand government buildings and the magnificent mosque.  There are schools, police stations, fire and rescue stations and even diesel pumps all on stilts on the river.  It all works well and has a great community feel.  Apparently the Sultan offered the river dwellers new more modern properties but the residents declined. The city has a nice chilled atmosphere maybe due to the lack of alcohol which makes the city a very calm place.  Perhaps we could learn from this. Don't think it'll work in the UK though!

As I needed a bit of culture I joined in the visit to the mosque, a huge modern building which dominates the city.  Visitors are strictly controlled and the women have to wear black robes and headscarves so as not to offend.  Myself, Pauline and Roberta got robed up while the fellas laughed.  We ended up looking like Jedi warriors.  The guide had a great sense of humour and found all this most amusing.  The inside of the mosque bizarrely had an escalator installed which seemed strange but maybe a sign of the times.  That's enough culture for me for now though.!  Unfortunately I didn't get to meet the Sultan so no cash for me!  Never mind.

To compensate for the lack of beer Simon had another attempt at a slightly different version of his cupboard game.  But as per the photos it appears he didn't really think it through.  Apparently it's a very popular game in the wilds of Suffolk but has yet to catch on in the rest of the UK.  Personally I think he's been travelling too long!
 

They can't see me!!

Oh maybe they can!!