28th - Towning around in Brunei

Relaxing in Hotel Foyer

John joined us for breakfast this morning - what a spread!  Multicultural continental buffet breakfast - kilos are definately going to be gained if we keep this up!

Went on a 4 hour tour with a lovely young guide, Vynna and driver Hakia.  Vynna took us in a water taxi to the Water Villages which were inspired by Venice, and have been around since 14th century.  We were treated like VIPs and invited to take tea and sample the homemade sweet treats and as Vynna said if they don't think its sweet enough, more palm sugar is added, "just in case".  At the home we also learnt how to play the ancient game of Chonghkak with lovely carved long dish and marbles.  The game is played often and common for guests to play at weddings during the week long celebrations.   The rest of the tour took us to the Royal Regalia Building, Brunei Museum and 28th Sultan's Mosque.  All very impressive.  The marble buildings, gold leaf domes and detailed mosaics were spectacular.
We spent the afternoon in "The Mall"  which was airconditioned and consisted of many, many hi fi stores, import clothing shops and food hall.  We managed to find "The Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf" Cafe down the street where Ross sampled the tea and scones...(mocha was pretty good too)
Back to the hotel to collect our packs and off to the airport for night flight to London....long night ahead with a short fuel stop in Dubai.