Here we are in Brunei on Borneo Island on our way to Hong Kong.It is an interesting study in contrasts -- a benevolent dictatorship of 400,000 ruled by the Sultan and his family. We visited the Mosque built to honor the present Sultan -- the 29th Sultan of Brunei, so there are 29 golden domes, we've only captured 11 in this picture. Everything in the mosque is only the very best --the Italian marble,the unbelievable mosaic tiles, the 29 Austrian crystal chandeliers...
We also visited a home in the water village where some of the common Brunei people live. We traveled in a pontoon boat on the river that goes through the city -- to the water village where there are several thousand homes built on stilts above the river -- the water taxis such as the one above are everywhere! The homes are very simple and have electricity and some have plumbing -- not anything that would be acceptable to many of us. The government apparently has built condominiums on land that are very nice, but some of the water village people don't want to leave their homes on stilts!
As we were leaving, we caught this picture of the brand new parliament building.Unbelievable!
2 comments:
Hi George & Ann:
This was such a great idea to "blog" the whole experience! I feel like I'm there with you! Congratulations on your gold medals! The photos are amazing! Keep them coming! Elsie
Hi George & Ann,
Really enjoyed your photos. Brunei sounds fascinating. I've never know anyone who's been there but have always heard about the Sultan & his wealth.
You are missing all the fun keeping tract of the economy, due to the subprime mortgage & credit crisis mess. Hopefully, it will be better when you return. In the meantime, continue to have fun.
Congratulations on winning the gold medal in bridge. Now I am intimidated about ever playing bridge with such experts.
Continue to enjoy. Wish we were there.
Judi (and Jerry too)
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