One week in

Besides our rough start, our first week has gone incredibly smoothly. We have managed to venture further into new territory with Jas bravely behind the wheel. My brief stint at racing to the hospital through the ‘circle of death’ (nastiest round about ever) while Jas cradled Noah has been my lot at driving thus far. I must say I am happy to keep Jas on as my driver. Although road rules apply here, nobody seems too concerned with pulling out in front you or not giving way at intersections and roundabouts, you would expect cars to be covered in dents with driver mentality but quite surprisingly it works just fine. All is forgiven with a smile and friendly wave and there is no road rage at all. With that being said Jas can continue to drive while I observe/co-pilot and watch out for the unexpected.

On the subject of driving we were highly amused (and reluctant to pass) this guy riding a chopper whilst texting. Yep… riding a chopper whilst texting. To our even greater surprise he had a bit of trouble getting his phone back into his pocket and needed both hands, his solution, to let go of the handlebars.

Petrol is CHEAP. $19 to fill up the tank from near empty, couple that with the fact the hire car seems to run on the smell of an oily rag, we took a week to get through the $19 tank.

 

We found the Jerudong amusement park and got some pics next to the errr Ring thing in the middle of the round about.  Yep cheap shots at my attire are expected. We were a bit early to head into the park, but will take the boys back one evening as it opens at 5pm.

We headed into Bandar (CBD) and saw some amazing architecture, many buildings are massive and represent grandeur on an incredible scale.

The water village is somewhere we will investigate in the near future. Apparently there are around 40,000 homes over the water in Brunei. Water taxis constantly ferry people from one side of the river to the other.

This cheerful water taxi driver saw our white faces and zoomed over with a big grin and giant wave. “I take you for ride?!” “Not today” I replied “Sunday, you come Sunday!” “Maybe… Thank you”. It costs around $30 for a 1 and a half hour boat ride up the river, which we are keen to go on. Once Noah’s leg heals we will go for an adventure, I am not keen for any dirty water to get anywhere near his leg at this stage.

We have spent some time in the mall in Gadong, a massive shopping centre which is 4+ stories of shopping. 

We are slowly getting accustomed to the heat, the air con runs constantly in the lounge but we are able to survive without it in the bedrooms during the night. The boys head out the basketball court in our complex but usually only last around 20 minutes before they return red and sweaty. The temperature pretty constantly 33degrees from about 10am till 4pm.

5 other teachers who are starting with CfBT have arrived in Brunei and have moved into our complex over the weekend so it will be nice getting to know other newbies over the Orientation course which starts Monday 2^nd July.

 Jas will be keeping the boys occupied while I learn about what I have got ahead of me over the next 18 months.

Noah’s leg appears to be healing well, he heads to the doctor for a dressing change and check on Tuesday 3^rd.

With any luck life will continue to run smoothly.