rediscovering Brunei?

It was the third time I went to Brunei to work. The first time was like 6 years ago. Between then and now there weren't any noticeable changes to the country. I don't know of any discos or bars where one can hang out. But I did see the young crowds gather at coffee places with their cars parked a few feet away and loud music blasting from the cars.

Many others drove across the border to Sabah or Sarawak to get a swig of alcohol. It's hard to fathom how anyone with an active social life could work in Brunei.
The shopping experience left a lot to be desired, but DVDs were cheap and of good quality too. I need not elaborate about their sources...

Bruneians have it good. Free education, free medical benefits and houses are heavily subsidized ( I was told ). People dress conservatively and it is prudent to observe that when one is in Brunei lest one gets furtive glances from disapproving faces!

Jerudong Park, Brunei's version of Disneyland looked deserted. Maybe everyone in Brunei has been there and done that.. The park used to be free for all. Anyway..


Went to Brunei for a show
Four girls with Cyril the host
I choreographed two items which weren't slow
The audience enjoyed it to the most

The event was for AIA in Brunei
I was apprehensive about sexy costumes of mine
Revealing more flesh that would make some people fly
To the mosque to pray one more time ( hee hee)

The performance went well, I was glad of it
With joy I appreciated the entire audience
Very seldom everyone paid attention like they did
Eyes riveted , they watched us in silence

At first they were slow to respond to Cyril
who went on stage to kick start the night
As the initial warm-up took on an upward swirl
The beginning of a successful night took flight

The Empire Hotel was the best venue
Has huge columns resplendent in gold
Parties, dinner and dances, product launches to name a few
Were held there but without alcohol, I was told

After show back to our hotel we headed
To have dinner at the coffee house
Bless the staff, for us, they waited
The meal was fantastic, they deserved the applause

Good night, good show, slept well
Then with no further ado
In the morning we shall
To Brunei, we bade adieu

The people were friendly and we saw a few guests staying at the Holiday Lodge with us. We wonder why they were there. Pardon my ignorance but I really doubt there was anything to see in the little rich kingdom sandwiched between two Malaysian states and Tarzan country to the south which is Borneo.

April 2006