I have been writing this blog now for over a year, and I've noticed the more I write, the more I find to write about and some days it kind of just writes itself!
It's gone from being a blog for just friends and family about what our new life was like - to a bit of a diary for myself, as well as a tool for keeping you all in the loop.
I really enjoy writing it, as it keeps me on to things and forces me to keep seeing my life with fresh eyes, which is nice.
There is one downside though, and that is that everybody are now far too informed! People never get in touch anymore, they can read on the blog how we are. Even people here in Brunei read it, and can't be bothered calling us etc, because they already know what we have or will be up to.
It's kind of boring. It's become a one-way communication, and I miss hearing from you all! So - keep in touch people, keep in touch, write us an email right away telling us what YOU are up to! Looking forward to hearing from you!
Tuesday, 14 October 2008
Monday, 13 October 2008
Pampering Deluxe
This morning Nathan and I indulged in a pampering treat at the Zen Spa. First I had a facial treatment while Nathan had a foot scrub and foot spa - then we had booked a couple's room to have a massage together. It was really nice, but ouch - it hurt! I realized I don't like the hard pressure. My lady was tiny, but my god she could press!
It felt really, really good afterward though, such a treat!
Believe it or not, but it was the first time we went for a massage since we got here, we definitely have to do it more often from now on!
A princess party
Yesterday Linnea had yet another birthday party to attend. This time it was a princess party, a little girl in her class turned 3. They had turned their whole downstairs into a party hall, with pink balloons and princess things everywhere, and all the kids got crowns to wear.
It was a party like most others, with party games, yummy food and cake - but what a cake! It was so pretty, a princess cake with a whole castle on it!
There was also a special guest, Barney the dinosaur. At first Linnea was petrified and refused to even be in the same room as Barney, but I guess when she realized he was going to hang around she decided to go up and make friends, and give him a cuddle.
It was a party like most others, with party games, yummy food and cake - but what a cake! It was so pretty, a princess cake with a whole castle on it!
There was also a special guest, Barney the dinosaur. At first Linnea was petrified and refused to even be in the same room as Barney, but I guess when she realized he was going to hang around she decided to go up and make friends, and give him a cuddle.
Some more Playboy photos
Click here for a web album with some more (and lot better!) photos from the Playboy Mansion Party on Saturday night. They are taken by Kat Kyle.
Sunday, 12 October 2008
A nite at the Playboy Mansion
Yesterday it was time for one of the more anticipated parties for a long time here in Brunei, the "Nite at the Playboy Mansion"-themed 40th celebration for our friend Dave.
The invitations had been out for a while, so people would have the chance to get their outfits together in time. A lot of the expats here really enjoy dressing up and putting on costumes, we have seen some pretty amazing stuff in the past! Like every time there is a theme party, there has been a lot of hush-hush about what everybody was going to wear, so the suspense was huge yesterday.
In a way, the theme was pretty broad - you could of course do the bunny or the Hef-thing, or you could just go as you would if you were actually to ever be invited to the Mansion, in your best dress etc.
I went for the latter option, although I had chosen a slightly more skimpy dress than I probably would normally wear. Of course, some really went all the way which was great fun, and everyone looked fabulous - it was a very glam atmosphere!
Dave sure got a birthday party to remember - the party was fab! His wife had gone all the way to organize everything, and had paid great attention to detail - there was welcome drinks galore (served by bunnies, of course), lush buffet dinner (with pavlova for dessert, yum!), great music, nicely done decorations (all according to the theme) and at midnight there was cake and a huge firework display!
After that, it kind of all went... wet. The hardcore group of people who were still going strong at this point, all ended up in the pool - some still with their clothes on, some without... But, what would a party at the Playboy Mansion be without a dip in the pool, huh?
I took hundreds of pictures (I was one of the three appointed "official" photographers), but the other ladies are so much more clever, they must have got a lot better photos than I did.
Until I get their photos, here is but a few of mine:
One of my friends, who's husband had to work and missed the party, told me that he had said "Bugger! It's so annoying I have to work! This party would be SO my thing!" - and we all said: Ahm yes - this party would be ANY man's thing, wouldn't it..? ;)
The invitations had been out for a while, so people would have the chance to get their outfits together in time. A lot of the expats here really enjoy dressing up and putting on costumes, we have seen some pretty amazing stuff in the past! Like every time there is a theme party, there has been a lot of hush-hush about what everybody was going to wear, so the suspense was huge yesterday.
In a way, the theme was pretty broad - you could of course do the bunny or the Hef-thing, or you could just go as you would if you were actually to ever be invited to the Mansion, in your best dress etc.
I went for the latter option, although I had chosen a slightly more skimpy dress than I probably would normally wear. Of course, some really went all the way which was great fun, and everyone looked fabulous - it was a very glam atmosphere!
Dave sure got a birthday party to remember - the party was fab! His wife had gone all the way to organize everything, and had paid great attention to detail - there was welcome drinks galore (served by bunnies, of course), lush buffet dinner (with pavlova for dessert, yum!), great music, nicely done decorations (all according to the theme) and at midnight there was cake and a huge firework display!
After that, it kind of all went... wet. The hardcore group of people who were still going strong at this point, all ended up in the pool - some still with their clothes on, some without... But, what would a party at the Playboy Mansion be without a dip in the pool, huh?
I took hundreds of pictures (I was one of the three appointed "official" photographers), but the other ladies are so much more clever, they must have got a lot better photos than I did.
Until I get their photos, here is but a few of mine:
One of my friends, who's husband had to work and missed the party, told me that he had said "Bugger! It's so annoying I have to work! This party would be SO my thing!" - and we all said: Ahm yes - this party would be ANY man's thing, wouldn't it..? ;)
Saturday, 11 October 2008
Life is a party!
This is a proper party weekend, well, almost like every other weekend!
Linnea has been to one party at the Empire Kids-Club this morning for one of her little class mates, and she has another one tomorrow afternoon.
Nathan and I are going to a big 40th bash tonight, themed "A nite at the Playboy Mansion"! It's going to be really interesting to see how everybody (there will be 100+ guests!) have interpreted that theme..!
It's only Lucas who misses out this weekend, but he has been perfectly happy at home watching TV and playing PSP - so he is not complaining.
Some photos from today (courtesy of Anne, since I had forgot my camera!):
Linnea has been to one party at the Empire Kids-Club this morning for one of her little class mates, and she has another one tomorrow afternoon.
Nathan and I are going to a big 40th bash tonight, themed "A nite at the Playboy Mansion"! It's going to be really interesting to see how everybody (there will be 100+ guests!) have interpreted that theme..!
It's only Lucas who misses out this weekend, but he has been perfectly happy at home watching TV and playing PSP - so he is not complaining.
Some photos from today (courtesy of Anne, since I had forgot my camera!):
Friday, 10 October 2008
Blast from the past
Like many others these days I'm on Facebook. It's a fun way of getting back in touch with all these people and friends who have crossed my path in the past - I'm really enjoying that.
Until now, I haven't put any pictures on my profile (I think I share enough of my life here!) at all. For a while though, some of my old flying collegues have been sharing pictures from back in the day, and I got so inspired that I dug some of mine out too the other day!
This must be one of my absolute all-time favourite photos from my time as a charterprincess! This was it, life as a hostie, as good as it got! Check it out:
(Me and two collegues in a beach jacuzzi in Dubai. Hard working!)
I wont show any more pictures here, you can check them on my FB page if you are curious. They sure have brought back memories though... I have been reminiscing a bit lately. Those were the days of no worries, no responsibilities, no tomorrows (no wrinkles, no left-over baby fat) - haha! It's already TEN years ago, it's un-be-liev-able!
Until now, I haven't put any pictures on my profile (I think I share enough of my life here!) at all. For a while though, some of my old flying collegues have been sharing pictures from back in the day, and I got so inspired that I dug some of mine out too the other day!
This must be one of my absolute all-time favourite photos from my time as a charterprincess! This was it, life as a hostie, as good as it got! Check it out:
(Me and two collegues in a beach jacuzzi in Dubai. Hard working!)
I wont show any more pictures here, you can check them on my FB page if you are curious. They sure have brought back memories though... I have been reminiscing a bit lately. Those were the days of no worries, no responsibilities, no tomorrows (no wrinkles, no left-over baby fat) - haha! It's already TEN years ago, it's un-be-liev-able!
The plant market
Our house has a very ugly net fence all the way around it, and I have been wanting for a while to do something to cover it up a bit - or put something pretty in front of it, like flowers or plants, to lead the eyes away.
I have plenty of plants, the only trouble is that most of them can't be out in the direct sunshine but needs to be under the shade.
So, today Tash, Anne and I went to the plant market to have a look around. I had never been before so I just wanted to have a stroll around and get an idea of prices etc. I was after plants that actually will survive the direct sun. I now have my eye on some bouganvilla-looking plants/trees that I will buy next week when I will take Mum (!) down to the market.
So, I didn't buy anything today but the other girls did:
I have plenty of plants, the only trouble is that most of them can't be out in the direct sunshine but needs to be under the shade.
So, today Tash, Anne and I went to the plant market to have a look around. I had never been before so I just wanted to have a stroll around and get an idea of prices etc. I was after plants that actually will survive the direct sun. I now have my eye on some bouganvilla-looking plants/trees that I will buy next week when I will take Mum (!) down to the market.
So, I didn't buy anything today but the other girls did:
Messy Play Day
Today they had Messy Play Day at school, Linnea had her activities in the morning and Lucas his this afternoon.
There was everything really gooey! They could play with the hose in the sand pit, make foot prints with paint, spraypaint, get their faces painted, play with foam etc etc. They had lots of fun - getting as mucky as they could!
Writing with chocolate sauce:
Obviously can't help but taste just a little bit..:
Apparently it tasted really good! :)
There was everything really gooey! They could play with the hose in the sand pit, make foot prints with paint, spraypaint, get their faces painted, play with foam etc etc. They had lots of fun - getting as mucky as they could!
Writing with chocolate sauce:
Obviously can't help but taste just a little bit..:
Apparently it tasted really good! :)
Thursday, 9 October 2008
Hari Raya party at school
We took Linnea to the doctor yesterday, just to make sure she was "all clear". I'm actually not quite sure this was chicken pox (she hasn't had any fever whatsoever, and only a handful spots that didn't even look like proper chicken pox spots) but the doctor said it can be very mild and maybe she, thanks to the anti-viral medicine, just didn't have it so bad.
Anyway, she was clear and not contagious anymore, so today she could go to school! Which was good, because they had Hari Raya party at school this morning in her class. This is how happy you get when you are allowed to go back to school:
Party time:
Anyway, she was clear and not contagious anymore, so today she could go to school! Which was good, because they had Hari Raya party at school this morning in her class. This is how happy you get when you are allowed to go back to school:
Party time:
Wednesday, 8 October 2008
05.45
Yes, 05.45 this morning, a very happy chap came rushing in to our bedroom, jumping into our bed, shouting:
-"I got a present from the Tooth Fairy! I got a present from the Tooth Fairy!!!"
The poor father had returned from work very, very late and was wondering "Can't we do this later..?" but what can you do, loosing your first tooth is a big deal!
So, we had to "ooo" and "aaah" a bit over the letter the Tooth Fairy had left, over the money - but mostly over the tooth brush! Lucas was so excited he got a new "racing car"-tooth brush!
He brought the letter to school this morning so he could show his teachers and his friends, he was very proud!
And I'm already on my 2nd cup of coffee for the day...
-"I got a present from the Tooth Fairy! I got a present from the Tooth Fairy!!!"
The poor father had returned from work very, very late and was wondering "Can't we do this later..?" but what can you do, loosing your first tooth is a big deal!
So, we had to "ooo" and "aaah" a bit over the letter the Tooth Fairy had left, over the money - but mostly over the tooth brush! Lucas was so excited he got a new "racing car"-tooth brush!
He brought the letter to school this morning so he could show his teachers and his friends, he was very proud!
And I'm already on my 2nd cup of coffee for the day...
Tuesday, 7 October 2008
The tooth fairy was here
I have prepared this little package for Lucas, that I have put in his glass instead of his (cardboard...) tooth that we left for the tooth fairy.
I was a bit unsure about the amount of money to leave, didn't want to leave not enough for anything else but candy - kind of defeats the purpose of keeping your teeth healthy... But I thought, for $2 he can get himself a little something! Will take him shopping tomorrow after school.
He is also getting a letter from the tooth fairy telling him to keep up the good work, and a new tooth brush!
Let's see what he thinks about all this in the morning!
Today was the day!
Today they had pyjama day at school in Lucas class. They all came dressed in their PJs, with their teddies, tooth brushes and favourite stories. I told Lucas this morning to be very careful with Pooh-bear though, so he wouldn't get lost at school. He then thought for a bit and said: "Maybe he should stay here at home", and took I-or with him instead.
They are talking about personal hygiene this week, and also about bed time routines. Appropriately today, Lucas also lost his tooth!
At school, and, he literally lost it. He had no idea where it was, and the teachers were oblivious as to where he had been when he lost it. All he told the teachers was "I am five now, I am five".
So, I guess we will have to make something up for the tooth fairy to get instead, a drawing or something...
Everybody were very surprised about Lucas' tooth, but I read somewhere that if you get your teeth early, you will start loosing them early. Lucas got his first tooth at the tender age of 3 months, so I guess it's normal to start loosing them already.
They are talking about personal hygiene this week, and also about bed time routines. Appropriately today, Lucas also lost his tooth!
At school, and, he literally lost it. He had no idea where it was, and the teachers were oblivious as to where he had been when he lost it. All he told the teachers was "I am five now, I am five".
So, I guess we will have to make something up for the tooth fairy to get instead, a drawing or something...
Everybody were very surprised about Lucas' tooth, but I read somewhere that if you get your teeth early, you will start loosing them early. Lucas got his first tooth at the tender age of 3 months, so I guess it's normal to start loosing them already.
Monday, 6 October 2008
101,890!
101,890 people visited the Istana this year while it was open to the public - to extend their wishes of a "Selamat Hari Raya" to the royal family. That's almost a third of the population of Brunei - a third!
That's an increase since last year, that saw 95,699 visitors.
I guess the royals must be exhausted after having received that many handshakes... (In this picture you can see the Queen, to the far right. Not my picture.)
Throughout the three days the Istana was opened to the public, uniformed personnel could be seen everywhere to make sure that everything ran smoothly.
I read that there were eight health stations throughout the palace, with six doctors, 40 nurses, 10 paramedics and 20 attendants prepared for any types of emergencies; and also there was four ambulances ready, just in case.
Members of the police force and Fire and Rescue department were also seen in every corner.
(Images borrowed from www.brunei-online.com)
For the normal people, you could also notice when you went through the entrance, a security sign illustrating appropriate and inappropriate attire for greeting the royal family. Those wearing inappropriate clothing, such as shorts, sleeveless shirts, cargo pants, printed tees etc, would be allowed to go through screening area, but they would be directed to go straight to the souvenir area and be ushered to exit straight away.
According to today's Borneo Bulletin, no major cases of illnesses or misconduct occurred throughout this years open house at the palace, which is amazing considering the amount of people that passed through!
The royal family:
(Image borrowed from http://bruneiresources.blogspot.com)
That's an increase since last year, that saw 95,699 visitors.
I guess the royals must be exhausted after having received that many handshakes... (In this picture you can see the Queen, to the far right. Not my picture.)
Throughout the three days the Istana was opened to the public, uniformed personnel could be seen everywhere to make sure that everything ran smoothly.
I read that there were eight health stations throughout the palace, with six doctors, 40 nurses, 10 paramedics and 20 attendants prepared for any types of emergencies; and also there was four ambulances ready, just in case.
Members of the police force and Fire and Rescue department were also seen in every corner.
(Images borrowed from www.brunei-online.com)
For the normal people, you could also notice when you went through the entrance, a security sign illustrating appropriate and inappropriate attire for greeting the royal family. Those wearing inappropriate clothing, such as shorts, sleeveless shirts, cargo pants, printed tees etc, would be allowed to go through screening area, but they would be directed to go straight to the souvenir area and be ushered to exit straight away.
According to today's Borneo Bulletin, no major cases of illnesses or misconduct occurred throughout this years open house at the palace, which is amazing considering the amount of people that passed through!
The royal family:
(Image borrowed from http://bruneiresources.blogspot.com)
Sunday, 5 October 2008
Hari Raya at the Istana
Ramadan is over, and the three first days after the holy month are called the Hari Raya. These days are like Christmas to the Bruneians, and there are big celebrations going on now all over the country with everybody throwing open houses, as I have described in previous posts.
This is the most important time for a Bruneian, plus it's only at Hari Raya that the Royal Palace is open to public. Everybody have the opportunity to meet the Royal Family. That is, if you queue up, for hours and hours on end...
The first day of Hari Raya was mainly for the VVIP, which is state dignitaries, cabinet ministers, foreign diplomats, senior government officials and prominent figures and their spouses. They gathered at the Istana Nurul Iman to exchange Hari Raya greetings with His Majesty the Sultan and other members of the royal family.
After that, the Istana Nurul Iman opens its doors to the public for three days.
Friday, I had one of the most fantastic and special experiences since I got here! I had the privilege of getting invited along to a VIP visit to the Istana, by my friends Fredrik and Claudia - who works for the Sultan's Flight. It was absolutely surreal, amazing, exciting, wonderful, impressive and definitely something I will never experience again.
I will try and describe it to you as well as I can, but words can't make it justice at all - I have also uploaded a slide show of some of the photos taken on the day, by Fredrik and myself, and another collegue of his of the Sultan's Flight. I hope you will get a good idea of our Royal experience!
We all met up in the Sultan's Flight compound in the morning. The men were dressed in their uniforms and the women were all different (some in traditional baju, some just in normal clothes), but all with long sleeves and long trousers/skirts. This had been a last minute invite, so I wasn't very prepared, I wore the only long-sleeved shirt I have down here, not very fancy at all so I felt a bit like the odd one out.(Note to self: need to have an outfit made for these type of occasions.) I was buttoned up all the way to my chin - very uncomfortable!
We drove in a convoy all of us together up to the Istana, straight in and up to the palace and parked in the subterranean garage. Then we made our way upstairs, while taking lots of photos on the way of course, and into the lounge where the food was served.
What a buffet! There was absolutely everything you could imagine! So much lovely food; sandwiches, cakes and other delicacies, seafood buffet, local specialities - you name it! We went around and browsed everything, then had a bit to eat and drink while we sat there and enjoyed watching all these people, so beautifully dressed up for this very special occasion. The colour array was amazing!
The greetings were going to start at 10.00, so at about 09.30 we left the "food lounge" to go and queue up. Men to one side to meet the male side of the Royal family, and us women to the other to meet the Royal ladies.
But, it's kind of wrong to say that we queued, because we bypassed everybody who had already lined up (they were also still VIPs, just lower "ranked", it was all the military people) and went straight up to a very short line at the front, just in front of the big, big doors.
It was all very civilized, with red carpets everywhere, people ushering us along, big fans to keep us cool etc. We were sort of outside, in one of the patios, but in shadow so it wasn't too hot.
There we were, waiting for the Royals to arrive, at promptly at 10.00 up drove some big, black cars and there they came! They passed us and went in to the little (well, all is relative!) room where the greetings were going to take place; and as soon as they had entered the room the big doors opened.
We then slowly advanced up to enter the room, handbags in the left hand, no cameras at this point and in we went. It was so beautiful! I have never seen so many, or such big flower arrangements - or so much golden adorned furniture in one place (and I have been to my fair share of châteuxs in my day as a rep!), oaw!
One by one, we then just followed in line and got to shake the hands of firstly the Sultan's wives and lastly six or seven of the other Royal ladies (I'm sorry, but I don't know who they were, the Royal family here is very extended and intriguingly connected). Of course, there wasn't really any time to chit-chat, you just said "Selamat Hari Raya", bowed a bit and off to the next one. They all looked pretty blasé, but of course, they were going to be standing there doing this now for hours and hours - first the VIPs then the "normal people". I guess you kind of shut down and just get on with it.
BUT - the Queen! The Queen was lovely! She was smiley and she talked to us, asked us questions (we kind of had to answer one question each in the same conversation as we had to keep moving along) and complimented on Vivian's (Claudia's daughter) dress! "Where are you from?" "Are you here on holiday?" "What do you do here?" etc. She was really sweet and seemed genuinely interested!
It all took about 20 seconds, and then we were already out again. Ushered on to the next "station" where we picked up our "goodie bags", took some more photos, and then we all made our way back to the cars and left. (The goodie bags were yellow velvet boxes, full of sweets, and a photo of the Sultan!) All together, we were in and out in 1 1/2h!
My friend Anna had done it last year, but with the normal people, and she said it couldn't compare at all. They get food as well, but not as nice, and yes, they get to shake hands with the Royals, but in a different location in the Istana so they actually don't see much of it at all - and of course, the queuing is slightly (...) longer and more "wild". She said it was like the worst rock concert ever, quite a scary experience. So, she was happy she had upgraded a bit for this year! :)
Anyway, it wasn't finished with that! After the Istana visit, we went for an open house at the Flight Director of the Sultan's Flight. That was totally impressive too, very overwhelming.
It's amazing how friendly the Bruneians are! They are always full of smiles and are very inquisitive and curious, happy to take time and talk to you and make you feel welcome.
Of course, there was an abundance of food here as well, and the whole room was full of people. Pictures were taken and the host family kept mingling making sure everybody had had something to eat and drink, and were happy.
This house, was only their "party-house" for big parties and for Hari Raya (it was huge!), they lived in another house, further up the hill. After the food, we were invited to take a stroll up there, to see their aviary (full of peacocks, parrots and other exotic birds) and also the horse...powers! Not that I'm much of a car-person as such, but you couldn't help but be impressed about the selection of very nice cars... Some of them were hardly even used!
We probably spend more time up in the carport than at the open house itself! Haha!
Well, what a morning! That will be hard to beat! Hopefully come next year, I will still have friends in the Sultan's Flight so I can come along again! :D
Otherwise I will be able to live on this for quite a while!
(The slide show follows in the next post!)
This is the most important time for a Bruneian, plus it's only at Hari Raya that the Royal Palace is open to public. Everybody have the opportunity to meet the Royal Family. That is, if you queue up, for hours and hours on end...
The first day of Hari Raya was mainly for the VVIP, which is state dignitaries, cabinet ministers, foreign diplomats, senior government officials and prominent figures and their spouses. They gathered at the Istana Nurul Iman to exchange Hari Raya greetings with His Majesty the Sultan and other members of the royal family.
After that, the Istana Nurul Iman opens its doors to the public for three days.
Friday, I had one of the most fantastic and special experiences since I got here! I had the privilege of getting invited along to a VIP visit to the Istana, by my friends Fredrik and Claudia - who works for the Sultan's Flight. It was absolutely surreal, amazing, exciting, wonderful, impressive and definitely something I will never experience again.
I will try and describe it to you as well as I can, but words can't make it justice at all - I have also uploaded a slide show of some of the photos taken on the day, by Fredrik and myself, and another collegue of his of the Sultan's Flight. I hope you will get a good idea of our Royal experience!
We all met up in the Sultan's Flight compound in the morning. The men were dressed in their uniforms and the women were all different (some in traditional baju, some just in normal clothes), but all with long sleeves and long trousers/skirts. This had been a last minute invite, so I wasn't very prepared, I wore the only long-sleeved shirt I have down here, not very fancy at all so I felt a bit like the odd one out.(Note to self: need to have an outfit made for these type of occasions.) I was buttoned up all the way to my chin - very uncomfortable!
We drove in a convoy all of us together up to the Istana, straight in and up to the palace and parked in the subterranean garage. Then we made our way upstairs, while taking lots of photos on the way of course, and into the lounge where the food was served.
What a buffet! There was absolutely everything you could imagine! So much lovely food; sandwiches, cakes and other delicacies, seafood buffet, local specialities - you name it! We went around and browsed everything, then had a bit to eat and drink while we sat there and enjoyed watching all these people, so beautifully dressed up for this very special occasion. The colour array was amazing!
The greetings were going to start at 10.00, so at about 09.30 we left the "food lounge" to go and queue up. Men to one side to meet the male side of the Royal family, and us women to the other to meet the Royal ladies.
But, it's kind of wrong to say that we queued, because we bypassed everybody who had already lined up (they were also still VIPs, just lower "ranked", it was all the military people) and went straight up to a very short line at the front, just in front of the big, big doors.
It was all very civilized, with red carpets everywhere, people ushering us along, big fans to keep us cool etc. We were sort of outside, in one of the patios, but in shadow so it wasn't too hot.
There we were, waiting for the Royals to arrive, at promptly at 10.00 up drove some big, black cars and there they came! They passed us and went in to the little (well, all is relative!) room where the greetings were going to take place; and as soon as they had entered the room the big doors opened.
We then slowly advanced up to enter the room, handbags in the left hand, no cameras at this point and in we went. It was so beautiful! I have never seen so many, or such big flower arrangements - or so much golden adorned furniture in one place (and I have been to my fair share of châteuxs in my day as a rep!), oaw!
One by one, we then just followed in line and got to shake the hands of firstly the Sultan's wives and lastly six or seven of the other Royal ladies (I'm sorry, but I don't know who they were, the Royal family here is very extended and intriguingly connected). Of course, there wasn't really any time to chit-chat, you just said "Selamat Hari Raya", bowed a bit and off to the next one. They all looked pretty blasé, but of course, they were going to be standing there doing this now for hours and hours - first the VIPs then the "normal people". I guess you kind of shut down and just get on with it.
BUT - the Queen! The Queen was lovely! She was smiley and she talked to us, asked us questions (we kind of had to answer one question each in the same conversation as we had to keep moving along) and complimented on Vivian's (Claudia's daughter) dress! "Where are you from?" "Are you here on holiday?" "What do you do here?" etc. She was really sweet and seemed genuinely interested!
It all took about 20 seconds, and then we were already out again. Ushered on to the next "station" where we picked up our "goodie bags", took some more photos, and then we all made our way back to the cars and left. (The goodie bags were yellow velvet boxes, full of sweets, and a photo of the Sultan!) All together, we were in and out in 1 1/2h!
My friend Anna had done it last year, but with the normal people, and she said it couldn't compare at all. They get food as well, but not as nice, and yes, they get to shake hands with the Royals, but in a different location in the Istana so they actually don't see much of it at all - and of course, the queuing is slightly (...) longer and more "wild". She said it was like the worst rock concert ever, quite a scary experience. So, she was happy she had upgraded a bit for this year! :)
Anyway, it wasn't finished with that! After the Istana visit, we went for an open house at the Flight Director of the Sultan's Flight. That was totally impressive too, very overwhelming.
It's amazing how friendly the Bruneians are! They are always full of smiles and are very inquisitive and curious, happy to take time and talk to you and make you feel welcome.
Of course, there was an abundance of food here as well, and the whole room was full of people. Pictures were taken and the host family kept mingling making sure everybody had had something to eat and drink, and were happy.
This house, was only their "party-house" for big parties and for Hari Raya (it was huge!), they lived in another house, further up the hill. After the food, we were invited to take a stroll up there, to see their aviary (full of peacocks, parrots and other exotic birds) and also the horse...powers! Not that I'm much of a car-person as such, but you couldn't help but be impressed about the selection of very nice cars... Some of them were hardly even used!
We probably spend more time up in the carport than at the open house itself! Haha!
Well, what a morning! That will be hard to beat! Hopefully come next year, I will still have friends in the Sultan's Flight so I can come along again! :D
Otherwise I will be able to live on this for quite a while!
(The slide show follows in the next post!)
Saturday, 4 October 2008
Housewarming
Not only did I meet the Queen on Friday, it was a big day for another reason too - we finally had our long awaited Housewarming!
Not only did we wait for 11 months to get our house, but since we got it, it has seemed impossible to find a date. You dont want your party to clash with other events going on, plus finding a Friday that Nathan was off... Finally, Friday was the day!
We had been preparing all week, so even though I was more or less housebound with Linnea the last few days, it was no big deal. I just had minor things to fix on the day.
We had hired a tent, in case it would rain (which it didn't do until after midnight, so that was ok), and I had put oil lamps all over the garden, which looked really, really nice when people came - really gave it all a nice atmosphere.
Our nice neighbours had lent us their outdoor furniture so we could offer seating space for a lot of people, although it wasn't necessary in the end, most people just stood around, or mingled. One of our friends had brought a big box of fireworks that got set off, which also was really cool!
Since we had so many guests (about 90), we had opted for inviting people only for drinks rather than dinner and put on some snacks and nibbles. But, we had also booked the "shawarma-man"! A guy that comes out from one of the Arabic restaurants, with his portable shawarma grill, and makes fresh kebabs for people - super nice! He was booked to come later on in the evening, and even though I never thought all 100 kebabs would go - they did! I guess you always tend to get a bit peckish after you have been drinking a bit.
We had a disco-bottle/ball and later in the evening people got dancing a bit, but of course, as in any good party - most of the action went on in the kitchen!
It was a great night, and I hope and believe everybody enjoyed themselves! We certainly did, it was great finally to host a party! Thank you everybody for coming and for all the great Housewarming gifts!
The best part was being able to sleep in the next morning (we got to bed at 03.30) since the amah took the kids. Also, even though we had sort of cleaned up a bit before going to bed (we took all the glasses, empty cans and bottles out in the kitchen and took away all the rubbish - so that the kids wouldn't come down and see a big mess) it was superb coming down at 11.00 and the house was already spotless again! You wouldn't even know there had been a party! The amah had done the dishes, disposed of the rubbish, put the furniture back, cleaned up outside, done the floors etc - it was like a fairy godmother had been through and waved her wand and 'poof', it was clean!
We sure live a good life down here!
Not only did we wait for 11 months to get our house, but since we got it, it has seemed impossible to find a date. You dont want your party to clash with other events going on, plus finding a Friday that Nathan was off... Finally, Friday was the day!
We had been preparing all week, so even though I was more or less housebound with Linnea the last few days, it was no big deal. I just had minor things to fix on the day.
We had hired a tent, in case it would rain (which it didn't do until after midnight, so that was ok), and I had put oil lamps all over the garden, which looked really, really nice when people came - really gave it all a nice atmosphere.
Our nice neighbours had lent us their outdoor furniture so we could offer seating space for a lot of people, although it wasn't necessary in the end, most people just stood around, or mingled. One of our friends had brought a big box of fireworks that got set off, which also was really cool!
Since we had so many guests (about 90), we had opted for inviting people only for drinks rather than dinner and put on some snacks and nibbles. But, we had also booked the "shawarma-man"! A guy that comes out from one of the Arabic restaurants, with his portable shawarma grill, and makes fresh kebabs for people - super nice! He was booked to come later on in the evening, and even though I never thought all 100 kebabs would go - they did! I guess you always tend to get a bit peckish after you have been drinking a bit.
We had a disco-bottle/ball and later in the evening people got dancing a bit, but of course, as in any good party - most of the action went on in the kitchen!
It was a great night, and I hope and believe everybody enjoyed themselves! We certainly did, it was great finally to host a party! Thank you everybody for coming and for all the great Housewarming gifts!
The best part was being able to sleep in the next morning (we got to bed at 03.30) since the amah took the kids. Also, even though we had sort of cleaned up a bit before going to bed (we took all the glasses, empty cans and bottles out in the kitchen and took away all the rubbish - so that the kids wouldn't come down and see a big mess) it was superb coming down at 11.00 and the house was already spotless again! You wouldn't even know there had been a party! The amah had done the dishes, disposed of the rubbish, put the furniture back, cleaned up outside, done the floors etc - it was like a fairy godmother had been through and waved her wand and 'poof', it was clean!
We sure live a good life down here!
Thursday, 2 October 2008
Calling on the tooth fairy!
We had a somewhat dramatic snack time today, Lucas all of a sudden noticed that one of his bottom front teeth got loose when he bit in an apple. He got really scared, and didn't calm down at all when I tried to explain it all to him; that now that he is a big boy, his teeth will all fall out, one by one, and get replaced with new ones... Instead it was the opposite actually, he freaked!
It took some serious convincing to get him to eat his lunch, he was afraid the tooth would fall out there an then. Now he is telling everybody, that because he is soon five, his tooth will fall out!
Well, we better get ready for the arrival of the tooth fairy I guess - does anyone know what the going rate is for a tooth these days?
Boring Thursday
This was supposed to be the first day of a lovely long weekend (thanks to Hari Raya, we are off school Thursday and Friday) full of swimming, play and relaxation.
Instead, I feel like a prisoner in my own home, cause Linnea has come down with chicken pox and she is not allowed to go outside in the sun, should stay in cool, air conditioned temperature, of course not mix with other kids etc... Boo-hoo.
So, the kids and I (cause Nathan is working all day) are watching DVDs, playing with Lego, building BRIO train tracks, drawing etc. Imagination is already running a bit dry. It's going to be a looong weekend, in a completely different sense...
Instead, I feel like a prisoner in my own home, cause Linnea has come down with chicken pox and she is not allowed to go outside in the sun, should stay in cool, air conditioned temperature, of course not mix with other kids etc... Boo-hoo.
So, the kids and I (cause Nathan is working all day) are watching DVDs, playing with Lego, building BRIO train tracks, drawing etc. Imagination is already running a bit dry. It's going to be a looong weekend, in a completely different sense...
Wednesday, 1 October 2008
Selamat Hari Raya!
Yes, the moon was sighted tonight, Ramadan is over for this year and it's finally here - Eid al Fitr. I wrote a bit about the Hari Raya celebrations last year, so I wont repeat too much of that here.
This year we have been invited to an open house next weekend, at one of Lucas' school mates home, which will be really interesting.
The women have been baking cookies by the dozen and prepared lots and lots of food the past few weeks, because hundreds of visitors can be expected to these open houses!
When they hold open house, that is exactly what it says - anyone is welcome to visit at any time, and food and drink is always available. You are expected to bring your children, as it is a family occasion, and if you have guests of your own to stay - bring them too, the theme is "the more the merrier"!
I asked a local friend, how to go about these visits; do I bring anything, what to wear etc? All I need to do apparently is show up when I get invited, dressed as I wish, and enjoy the hospitality. I'm not supposed to take any gifts but just try to eat and drink just a little. MY kids will then apparently receive a little envelope with a few dollars!
Of course, I will tell you all about it once I have been!
Right now we are listening to the numerous fireworks outside being set off to celebrate Raya. Unfortunately they seem to be more into the noise than the pretty displays, so we don't see anything, just hear lots of loud bangs from all directions. Lucky the kids seem to sleep through anything!
This year we have been invited to an open house next weekend, at one of Lucas' school mates home, which will be really interesting.
The women have been baking cookies by the dozen and prepared lots and lots of food the past few weeks, because hundreds of visitors can be expected to these open houses!
When they hold open house, that is exactly what it says - anyone is welcome to visit at any time, and food and drink is always available. You are expected to bring your children, as it is a family occasion, and if you have guests of your own to stay - bring them too, the theme is "the more the merrier"!
I asked a local friend, how to go about these visits; do I bring anything, what to wear etc? All I need to do apparently is show up when I get invited, dressed as I wish, and enjoy the hospitality. I'm not supposed to take any gifts but just try to eat and drink just a little. MY kids will then apparently receive a little envelope with a few dollars!
Of course, I will tell you all about it once I have been!
Right now we are listening to the numerous fireworks outside being set off to celebrate Raya. Unfortunately they seem to be more into the noise than the pretty displays, so we don't see anything, just hear lots of loud bangs from all directions. Lucky the kids seem to sleep through anything!
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