My Big Brother's Brunei Bash


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Asia » Brunei » Bandar Seri Begawan
November 16th 2010
Published: January 10th 2011
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Panorama - My family! There's no other like it.

You know you're getting old when your brother turns 50.

But what better way to come together as a family than for the four of us...ie. Glenn, Suzy, Mum and myself to hop a flight to Brunei to help celebrate the event. We haven't spent time together on a holiday since...thinking, thinking... I suppose, the last time we came together was for mum's 70th birthday bash early 2008. But before that....crikey! I think we were kids!

The laughs started early...even before we arrived at the airport. Perhaps it was a few nerves and the excitement of travelling together, and wondering whether we could all spend 5 days together again.

Check in at Brisbane Airport went smoothly except for a little altercation with the clerk who insisted that Glenn have his printed E ticket. Now, it's a long standing argument BUT an E ticket is an electronic transaction. Why should it be printed? The woman was adamant and told Glenn that if he didn't have it he could be refused entry at the Brunei end. His response was, "That's ok. I'll take my chances". She was stunned and went to print one for him. How does he do that?

The flight went smoothly and before we knew it we were going through customs of BSB Airport, sorting out our alcohol declaration papers, with Russell waiting on the other side. All 5 of us fit into the car, the boot full of luggage except what do we do with Suzy's hula hoops? No problem! Glenn will hold them against the outside of the car with his arm through the window. Highway driving and 30 minutes later, Glenn's left arm is a little cramped and looks like Popeye's. 'Argargargarg! Where's me spinach, Olive?'

Russell and Lisa's new home is a party house. Plenty of room for everyone. Large living areas and Rusty's Bar downstairs. A large lawn out the back and the view across the river. Now the birthday party was on Saturday night and the itinerary that Russell had set out was for us to travel over the border to Malaysia on Friday afternoon to collect some beer to bring back and while we are there we have dinner at one of the outdoor restaurants that are immediately past the border control. There were 8 of us in 2 cars but at the border we had to be 8 in one car. 5 in the back and mum on my knee in the front. What's so great is...that no one cares. The border guard didn't bat an eyelid. We drive through and pour out in front of a crowded restaurant full of locals. The Frettinghams have arrived!

We proceed to have a few beers... not allowed in Brunei...and enjoy a Malaysian Meal. Plenty of locals around and some food stalls to observe interesting things on a stick. Back in the car for the return trip and we're caught in traffic. So many cars, people; and one very eneb...inebre...drunk guy, who shouldn't be behind the wheel, pinballed his way through the border checkpoint. Again, no one cares. Except us as our car was used as part of the pinball process.

Most of the time we spent relaxing around the house, enjoying a drink or two, eating wonderful food, dancing to DJ Dirt's (AKA Russell) selection of music on old vinyls. It was hot and humid outside so inside with the aircon was a relief. We walked through town, found a funky cafe to enjoy coffee and cake, visited the Sultan's 'Gift' museum (obviously where he keeps all the gifts from other countries around the world that he didn't consider good enough to have at home).

The party was HUGE! a few hundred people made up of expats and locals all trying to find a dry place around the house. An evening storm and heavy rain tainted the festivities a bit. But only a little. Most are so used to this kind of weather. But good food, music, atmosphere and some tasty little shots of lolly water helped to make it an exciting night. Lisa and her band played a great selection of dance songs and for four hours I danced. Tina Trash (AKA Suzy) performed in between music sets with her hula hoops and balancing. The birthday boys joined in for a bit of fun too. It was a late night for all but even later for Russ and Glenn. The next morning I walk downstairs to find my brothers asleep (passed out, actually) on the rug like they were two kids who were allowed to stay up late for the first time. So cute! Sunday was 'horizontal' day. Sitting or standing was a struggle...for
Drink while you can.Drink while you can.Drink while you can.

Over the border from Brunei into Malaysia
all of us.

The remainder of our time in Brunei was filled with extreme relaxing during the day and a few drinkies and dancing at night. It was so good just to hang out and do whatever we wanted. My family are always full of surprises. On the last night we were having our own little disco to some great music, when, quite unexpectedly, Mum had the urge to do the 'Cockroach' on the floor. She was so great. Who else can say that their mother of 40 somethings and now a 50 year old can get jiggy with it? We can.

Tuesday was the exit day. Glenn and Suzy left for Brisbane in the morning and I was to fly to London that same evening. It was a sad day for me to say goodbye. In the evening, only four of us had dinner in the restaurant where the staff sang for the guests. They sang for us some nice songs and I tried to keep it together, but in the end, when they sang 'Leaving on an Airplane', I lost it and cried. ...don't know when I'll be back again....

Many hugs later I walked through the doors to passport control. I watched behind me as the doors were closing while Mum, Russ and Lisa walked away. The poor woman checking my passport wasn't sure how to handle a middle aged woman sobbing at her desk. I think she handled it ok.


Additional photos below
Photos: 31, Displayed: 26


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Aww! How cute! Like they were kids againAww! How cute! Like they were kids again
Aww! How cute! Like they were kids again

The morning after the night before.


10th January 2011

Wow Lynne your looking very gorgeous and happy hon nice !
10th January 2011

What an adventurer you are!
Sounds and looks great! You have fun wherever you are. Which one is your German friend? Is there a pic of him somewhere on your blog?
10th January 2011

This trip was a short family thing on my way back to Europe. I'm in Germany now with Andi. No pics yet. New blogs coming soon. Stay tuned. Mwah darling. Hope you are well.
31st January 2011

We enjoyed Brunei
Lynne, I found your blogs today and have enjoyed reading them. We really enjoyed Brunei and your photos brought back some great memories. Are you still traveling? You haven't blogged in a little while. I hope you will start writing again. Great work!
3rd February 2011

Thank you
Thanks Dave and Merry Jo, It's nice to know that people other than my friends and family like to read my blogs. I am currently in Germany, and I'm a bit slow but new blogs will come in the near future. Cheers

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