Delightful Experience

Delightful Experience

     What all the days we spent in Brunei we never forgot walking at the day break and after the walk, every time my husband went to watch colorful fish in the pond in front of  my daughter's apartment.

It is man-made pond circular shaped in which  colorful fish keep moving gently catching worms that attracted my husband like a small kid. He stands there watches for a few minutes that gives him immense pleasure.

He is like that who draws pleasure from little small things that are un important. I too liked and enjoyed it.

  "Coming to Brunei if you don't eat in Shabu Shabu Restaurant it's not worth coming" said Rahul.

  "Today let's take mom and dad there" Pooja looked at the face of dad but he never responded. "O K " I uttered at once.

 Nowadays young ones love the idea of gathering with friends and cooking food and eating has become a growing trend - I read it somewhere.

'Now we get that opportunity to be with our children Why don't you agree?'  I .asked my husband. He just smiled that meant permitted.  

One of the most delightful and interesting thing is that finally we went to eat in Shabu shabu Japanese restaurant. It was quite different and most wonderful experience.

'We have to cook a variety of vegetables and meat in a simmering broth set over a burner on our table.

 The fun part is to create our own sauce using the available condiments to suit our taste.'- That's what my children told me before-hand. So I was eagerly waiting for that.
 "Papa, are you ready for this wonderful preparation?" Rahul asked Dad.
 " No, no, you order chicken-fried rice for me that's enough" dad said to Rahul and it was done. Dad was pleased with that as no other alternatives were there.
Then Rahul ordered base-stack soups- Punu took Japanese mish soup, daughter and son-in-law took Chinese herbal soup and I took kimchi soup.

It was very much new experience for me. I like it or not that's the different matter but I always try the new things I never hesitate. So I was very curious.

I selected the condiments like green chilly, roasted garlic, mango puree, lintels, coriander and spicy chinchalok. Punu helped me a little while selecting. It was not difficult for me as the names were written on the label.


They ordered sea food platters-like combination of mussels, fish-bolls, prawns, oyesters, mushrooms, chicken slice and vegetables like spinach, brocolli, cabbage, potatoes..
Then the real test began.


We sat around the table.  I poured the soup into steam pot set over a burner on table, when it started boiling poured sea food platter and added condiments which suited to my taste, when it keeps boiling and ready, I  took it in the bowl with the spoon and ate it hot sometime steamy hot also and I could vary the temperature if I liked. Punu was staring at me, when I went wrong he was at my help. He was showing me 'mummy, catch the chopsticks like this with your finger'. When Dad was giggling, Puju encouraged me, 'don't worry mummy, you can eat with the dancing hand that makes us happy,carry on" We had a lot of fun while eating.

Eating with the chopstick was interesting. When I ate with the chopsticks for the first time, Rahul, Puju and Punu appreciated it including my husband. It was awesome moment for me.

"You are sixty four years old accustomed to your own life style of desi Indian but how come you could follow easily this style of eating?" my husband asked with a great wonder!
"It's just coz I am feeling happy eating with my family" I said contentedly. 
 "How was your food?" I asked him. "It was good I enjoyed. When Rahul is there I need not worry, he takes care of my food" Dad said with admiration. All nodded their head.
 It was a wonderful and ever memorable experience that we had in Brunei.

                                                                Indu Naik

Pleasure of Scenic Journey

Pleasure of Scenic Journey

                             It was a very pleasant day. The chilly salubrious air motivated us to head out and we moved towards Sultan's Palace. The landscape unscrolls in infinite variety. We saw on either side of the street tall and exotic flowering trees with scattered branches that made the street cool and shady. Every bend in the road throws up a new vistas.

 "Wow! awesome!! Punu exclaimed. Dad nodded his head. "Yeah, lovely spot" I too expressed my joy. Pooja said, 'let's go further, that place will amuse more'.

        As we moved we came across a beautiful attractive park-Damuan Park where we saw varieties of trees, flowering plants bearing different colored flowers made the spot lovely.

     The park was a good place for jogging. We saw other tourists who were engaged in a jolly jogging in the park. Punu and Rahul clicked many photos We walked through the park at the other side of the park we saw Brunei River. The park was fenced with steel bars. We stood there and viewed the attractive scenery.

            At a distance we saw Sultan's palace. It was marvelous. The domes on the top of the palace twinkled in sunlight. I heard it is gold-made. The distant beautiful king's palace held me enthralled as I watched wide-eyed like a kid in a candy-store.

              Then we set out to Bender Seri Begwan city the central part of Brunei where I could see for the first time heavy traffic and a bit crowd of people moving only in cars. Pedestrains were not seen there also but at a glance I could see only moving cars-cars and cars.

We saw many mosque. 

I  was very much delighted by the attractive sight of mosque It was Brunei Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddin mosque. Punu was fascinated by the lovely outlook of the mosque and clicked one after the other many pics. Rahul took video of the sight. Puju, Dad and me became dumb stuck admiring the lovely sight.

    After that we did a side journey on water that was night-boating at the back side in Brunei river and watched every scene which we saw in road journey-park, king's palace, big buildings, mosque-entire city. Along the edge of the river belt we saw old buildings, large number of houses, schools and hospitals - Puju said, 'that is old Brunei. People are happy living in houses and children study in those schools that stood in the river." OMG! I was stupefied when I heard it.

Sitting in the boat I was just wondering, all of sudden I heard a 'thud' sound, the boatman found a moment difficult to move the boat, I felt it got stuck for a moment, it was night, nothing could be seen properly especially for me and my husband , my goodness I was bit scared and caught hold of my husband's arm he became benumbed. Punu, Puju and Rahul were not aware of our feelings. They were chatting and laughing aloud joyfully.When I told them about it, Punu said, " Don't worry Mom and Dad, nothing happens be cool and enjoy the surroundings we all are here together O k?" and he patted my shoulder.  

                     We both were convinced when we heard Punu saying in soothing tone. We enjoyed the night-boating which was a quite different experience.

                                                             Indu Naik

      

Fun through the day

Fun through the day

On fifth day we headed out to Seria, 90 kms. away, a small town in Belait district of Brunei and it's the heart of Oil industry in Brunei. As usual Rahul drove the car. At the beginning of our journey, the landscape comprised scarce forests and some fields. Dad asked, " why one side the long strip of area looks blank no trees no plants?"

"Recently most of the trees and plants in that area  burnt coz of sudden wildfire it seems" - that's what I read the news" Pooja told us.

As the car moved further we saw lakes, green majestic forests. Punu was happy humming a tune of English song, later Rahul and Pooja both joined him singing altogether, Dad was clapping- all seemed to be in a joyous mood.

After travelling nearly fifty minutes we saw a small town appearing."Look that might be the place" I said.

"Yo Mom, now we reached Brunei's rich natural resources" turning to Rahul, " Jiju, let'm get down, we'll park the car there", pointing at the parking place..

We took a walk into the Brunei's rich natural resources. One Billionth Barrel Monument stood in the midst of the first oil wells used to draw crude oil in Seria. This area is open for the public.

It's a lovely spot with birds-chirping. we could see the monument with a beautiful sea-view at the back.   We were very much fascinated by the admiring sight. It's really an interesting place to visit.  We took many photos.

We were amused to see multiple nodding donkeys in and out of the town. Rahul gave us a brief oral description regarding its work. Then we saw colorful mosque and museum. There is one of the finest area for observing migrating birds some have resident population of Hornbills.

Next we went to explore other lovely beaches- Tutong beach known for its beautiful sunset as it faces South China Sea, one of the cleanest beach we saw.




                                                                Another one is Maura beach. It's very pretty and it is littered with driftwood that carry in with the tide.

It has a recreational park that is lovely picnic spot. Dad liked it very much for it's quiet and  peaceful. We enjoyed sitting round the picnic tables admired the lovely sight. One of the most breathtaking moment was unforgettable sunset. The day finally seemed to get over.


I said," it's getting dark let's move back"  Dad was ready with me but Pooja, Punu, Rahul wished to enjoy little more. They chug back reluctantly refusing to be torn away from nature.

On return, we had delicious food that's Indonesian special food Gaadu in Bali Pit Stop.


Dad wished to drink fresh coconut water. Very much surprised to see such a big coconut contained cool and sweet water with pulp. Pooja ordered for all.

Dad was drinking joyfully

Punu asked, "Dad how do you feel?" 

With a mischieous smile he said, "I felt as if I had the feeling of being in Kumta drinking tender coconut (bonda) it's nice" First time he smiled with delight. All laughed whole-heartedly!!

It was a wonderful day!!!

                     

                                                        Indu Naik 

Rain forest Adventure in Brunei

Rain forest Adventure in Brunei

It was the most memorable adventure we undertook which we eagerly waiting for on 3rd day. Rahul told us to get up early and get ready by 6 am in the morning. We all did accordingly and left home and reached Bander Seri Begawan.

We waited for our turn and departed Bander Seri  by water-taxi from Residency Jetty and arrived  main town Bangar in Temburong district. It took about one hour to reach there. travelling in water-taxi was exciting.

Fiyona, a sportive lady-guide received all of us with a warm and gentle welcome that impressed us.

She took us by vehicle with a driver for Batang Duri,  gave a brief description of the places in the surroundings, about the people-Iban and their culture. It was a lively- conversation.
Then we arrived at Rain forest Lodge. Served us morning tea with cakes. rice cubes baked  and prawns roll and sweet. Fiyona began introduction and safety instructions. 
Then our actual adventure started with gusto and true spirit.

               We wore life- jackets and departed by long boat to Ulu Temburong National Park in the eastern part of Brunei.



We were five in one long boat with our guide Fiyona and the boatman steered the boat with his remarkable ability and avoided sandbars and submerged logs and pushed the boat to deeper water. We thrilled and  screamed with laughter. when boat moved up and down on water we enjoyed the fun with family.
We reached the National Park headquarter, from there we saw wooden-board-walkway surrounded by dense forest.Dad asked, "Pooja, Do we have to climb up the steps?"
Pooja just nod her head, I giggled,  Punu and Rahul smiled, as usual busy clicking camera and taking videos. Dad is like that always kidding that amuse us.



we walked on wooden planks and suspension bridge. Stepped up, it was 270 ft high, nearly 1160 steps to climb, it was an uphill task.

We saw varieties of birds like Hornbill mammals trees, flowers and insects. Simpor, the yellow-colored  is the national flower of Brunei.

After climbing many steps we took rest in between resting places, searched for water bottle in back-carry-bags and quenched thirst. Rest for a while and proceed was our motto. Punu was front, darted and admiring nature, I walked behind him and Pooja  and Rahul at the back taking care of dad encouraging him to proceed. Fiona roaming in between giving necessary. instructions

We watched trees like Macarang, Glue, Selfish and many more like that.  Those trees are called selfish coz they are tallest and grow lonely not allowed other trees growing beside it.

 Insects like centipedes and giant ants are there and palms, ferms, mosses and lichens are seen along river-edge especially two rivers join together- the spot was good.
Nearly 400 species of butterflies are there in the park-Fiona told us.
When we reached more than half of the wooden plank walk we were deadly tired, rested for a while and searched for water bottle but found only one, craved to drink and each one suck 2-3 sips and quenched thirst. 

"There are poisonous  viper on some of the tree-tops We should be careful" when   Fiona said, all of us were bit scared. Dad wanted to go back but no one heeded him, we continued. After a while, I saw my husband beside me climbing steps very fast. I asked him, " how come you came so soon here?"   
He said, "When I heard of viper, I could not stay-back. I pulled my stamina back  and bent upon to complete this adventure"  We could understand his sense of humor and had a hearty laugh.

After completing steps-climbing, finally we came to the Canopy Walkway. A bird-eye view of the surrounding forests could be seen from the canopy walk.

 There is a steel-structure rises some 50 metres   from the forest- floor to the level of highest trees. "If you  climb this, from top you can see tiger orchids and Bukit Belalong in the distance" said Fiona.

'O My God!' All exclaimed for one   moment. That's all. Punu started climbing the steel structure.

I did not hesitate to follow him. He was scared, "Mom be careful if you slip you'll go down, catch the rail tightly and climb, don't be in tension" he said.
When I heard his encouraging voice at once I started climbing the steps without any help.
Pooja said, "Dad, look at Mom, she is not scared,  look, how she is climbing? she has indomitable spirit" 

On hearing these inspiring words by Pooja, Dad also started with zeal. Everyone's intention is to reach the top and complete the adventure.

After the struggle when we reached the top our joy knew no bounds!! 

Punu and me were the first one to reach followed by Pooja Dad and Rahul .All of us were extremely happy.

Though we were terribly tired, we were very much pleased. The whole forest looked wonderful It's shining example of natural beauty. Yes certainly one should appreciate the diversity of Ulu Temburong's  flora.

Fiona admired us. She said, "Generally many parents and elders stay back, they don't climb steel- structure but you did it. Congratulations!!"

Its true! All that is needed  is a keen-eye, appreciation and strong will-power.

After this,  we did rafting - river adventure. when the boat moved very fast on deeper river of course I scared little bit but had a lot of fun screamed and laughed whole-heartedly.

Then we went to see lovely waterfalls and refreshed in the pristine rain forest. We stood in the water and had fish-spa to our feet and relaxed. It was amusing!!









At last we went back to the rainforest lodge. Again same attempt we did but this time climbing down all the steps and settled in the outlet of the lodge. It was raining outside. Thank God when we did the adventure it did not rain We were lucky.
The weather was cool and awesome. Fresh and  delicious lunch was kept on the dinning table. Steamy hot rice, brown

chicken curry, noodles, prawns, fish-rolls, veg items, fruits so many eatables that watered our mouth. We all ate happily and it was heavenly pleasure!!  It was memorable.

                                   Indu Naik

                                              

Reminiscence of Brunei's Life

DAY--- 2

 After morning walk we got ready. Pooja and Rahul planned to take us to the Tasek Lama Recreational Park in Brunei. They told us that it's an attraction for the people from outside the country.

As usual Rahul drove car. When we reached the park, we were delighted to walk inside the park. Air was cool we spent the whole time in the park before sun-set.

         Jungle- trekking was one of the ways we could enjoy. Punu and Rahul did trekking in the park. Pooja, Dad and me walked on the stretch of concrete road about 400 meters going uphill.

We found a reservoir and look-out tower at the top. Punu and Rahul joined us again at this point.

 We could view a part of the city and a canopy of green made up of  the forest tree-tops. Then we took a leisurely walk and saw some village monkeys and squirrels.

 One more surprising thing is that we saw a walk way studded with stones on which Punu, Pooja and I could walk on barefoot. It was a challenge for me and I could do it. I heard it was for a free session of "foot reflexology". Actually I had leg pain but I felt free out of pain after walking on studded stones. Punu and Pooja admired me. 

Dad was not interested he went to the stone garden and dipped his feet in cool water in pool  and enjoyed. Rahul took snaps and pictures of  rare wildlife, stone garden and water-falls. 







When we saw benches outdoor  exercise equipment Punu took pull ups and rejoiced.

                                                            

Towards the end we saw the main attraction of the park that is "tasek" means lake. Lake is surrounded by a lot of greenery at one part of the lake there is a waterfall that we liked very much. We took many pictures with the water fall in the background.
It's a place where we all could relax enjoy and explore also. Really it is abode of peace.

Then we went to Agro Tech Park and saw flower exhibition- a large varieties of  colorful flowers that gave us immense pleasure

and even our mind danced with the dancing flowers to and fro coz of blowing cool breeze.

.




With loads of enjoyment we went to Indian restaurant and had dinner. After dinner in Indian restaurant we stepped towards home.

                                                                     Indu Naik

                                                                                                                   

Amiable Evening

Amiable Evening

That evening was pleasant. All of us went out Rahul drove car. Pooja took us to U B D- University of Brunei Darussalam, oldest and largest University in that country where Pooja works. Punu Dad and me were strolling for a while through the area, Pooja grabbed my elbow, saying, " Let's go it's the time of sun-setting, we can watch it in Empire Hotel Beach."


         Empire Hotel seemed to be the most luxurious and prestigious hotel situated by South China Sea. Empire beach front resort is luxurious. Rahul told us that it's one of the 10 top most beach resort. the pools and beach are very clean.


Punu was excited and thrilled to watch the heavenly look of sun-set. The blue- coloured water in the pool, tall trees on the shore, far away green field, the bright brick-coloured tile roofs were a treat to the eyes. We marveled at the wonderful sight and was awed by the cleanliness and sparse population. It was well worth as it provided canapes in evening.


Punu, Rahul and Pooja took number of sunset pictures. Punu gave us a treat. We had dinner in Empire beach water front hotel that was candle light dinner.

                                                      
                                                     We enjoyed the sun-set at the most.

                                                                Indu Naik