Brunei & Malaysia

Tues. found us in Brunei.  I did a tour that saw several sights that reflect the opulence and extravagent world of Brunei's sultan, financed by immense oil wealth.  Welcome to rembrances of living in an Islamic country: no alcohol, repressed press, no visiting the inside of mosques and women with head coverings.  However, Brunei was cleaner than I remember the Middle East and lacked the smells of the bazaar that I like so much.

This is the Jame mosque, Brunei's largest; the domes are covered with 24 karat gold leaf and emblems on the gates have rubies and diamonds in them. 

Here is th Omar Ali Saifuddin Mosque; it is surrounded by a man-made lagoon.

My tour also visited the Royal Regalia museum (no pictures allowed) filled with exhibits of luxurious items from the Sultan's lavish coronation and other important events in his life.

Then as a study in contrasts we went to the water village, where 30,000 people live on the water on houses built on stilts.  Some of the dwelling sights date back 1,300 years.  People first lived here to isolate themselves from the inland dwelling headhunters.  In addition to the boat ride around the village, we had tea and cookies in a typical home in the village.  We all look lovely seated there in over-stuffed furniture with our life vests from the boat on!

Bill spent the day on another tour; he went further inland away from civilization into the rain forest on a long boat on the Temburong River where he visited a native Iban tribal longhouse and saw a rather tepid traditional dance performance by these former headhunters.  They travelled further into the jungle and saw a beautiful waterfall.

Wed. we were docked in Kota Kinanalu on the island of Borneo in Malaysia.  Bill and I actually went on a tour together to the Monosapiad Cultural Village and its infamous House of Skulls.

Music and dancing of some of the various tribal groups.  We also saw rice wine being made, listened to drumming, saw stilt walking.  Bill practiced his hanging bridge walking, sling shot and blowpipe skills.  I watched and cheered him on!

 

This is the infamous House of Skulls.  There are over 40 trophy skulls, some of which are over 300 years old, standing as testament to the valor of the great warrior and Kadazan hero, Monosopiad.

The 6th & 7th generations of direct descendents of Monosopiad constructed the village on this historical site to remember their forefathers and to provide a glimpse into their ancient and rich culture.

And here I am on Thurs, March 8th with another day at sea.  We are currently crossing the South China Sea on our way to Saigon, Vietnam, or as it is known today, Ho Chi Minh City.