Tea, photos and a movie, dahling?

Laukong and I had the Dorchester Afternoon Tea at The Empire. For B$25 a pop it was worth it. Since The Empire opened it's doors to us mere mortals, I can count the number of times we've been there using one hand. We've never felt compelled to join the bandwagon to dine nor stay at The Empire. But I must say the Tea was lovely and I will definitely go there again before I leave.

Laukong was in a photo-op mood today, so we went to the Taman Rekreasi Hutan Berakas (that was a bit of a mouthful) and Tungku Beach. The highlight was when we stopped by NBT. So touristy were we!

We watched Music and Lyrics which was a barrel of laughs. I so heart Hugh Grant, he has never failed to make me laugh. I never thought Hugh Grant and Drew Barrymore would make such a good couple. Of course my opinions about the movie might be biased. I have been known to be quite partial to the 80's, you know.

We also watched Ghost Rider last night. Not really sure what I thought about the movie though. I got suckered into watching it because of Nicholas Cage - yes, I do have this weird fascination for Nicholas Cage. Suffice to say that it was sadly not quite The Prophecy.

My second-born turned 1 yesterday. We had a little do on Thursday at my grandparents' and one tomorrow at my in-laws.

p/s I can tell Laukong is feeling rather inspired by Music and Lyrics. He is currently experimenting with his Reason 3.0 (which he reasons is miles better than Pro-Tools - excuse the pun).

pp/s Met someone whom I thought was quite rude. I'd rather have not said hello.

I blog, therefore I am

An observation: Interestingly I have noticed that the bloggers are starting to turn on each other. There has been too much bitching on the increase in the blogging world lately. And I thought blogging was supposed to be a"siok sendiri" journal/past time/website/whatever you make of it. But I guess, in true Bruneian-style, bloggers too are being judged in cyberspace by others who think they know better/blog better/blogged longer - "inda dapat liat orang sanang" is back with a virtual twist.

Lock, Frock and 2 Smoking Barrels

At the last minute I decided to join the mummies' morning coffee. I don't know why I almost took a rain check (it did rain though - no puns intended).

Spent over B$300 after the coffee morning at the new Redd Boutique at Q-Lap Mall. It was still early as the poor girl was still wiping the shop windows clean. Managed to find some tops that fit me (finally!) as the owner normally buys clothes that are only fit for Hongkie avenue princesses. I also bought a pair of Miu Miu-esque flats (so adorable) and I couldn't resist this red clutch bag (I'm still thinking about what/where/how I will be using this. Small bags are not normally my turf). I also saw the Stam Bag look-a-like. I admittedly comtemplated buying it, but since net-a-porter delivers to Brunei - no excuse not giving Marc Jacobs some money)! Besides, I risk getting urticaria if I don't have the genuine article on my arms.

Much to my shock/horror - It was only when I got home that I realised 2 of the tops had a crucifix (-ish) symbol on the chest. Grrrrrr! Why didn't I see that part of the logo!! I think I got too excited with the fact that the logo reminded me of the Vivienne Westwood symbol...hang-on a minute, didn't that one has a cross at the top of the orb too?! Doh!

Anyway, I think I have figured out a way to fix this problem without having to return the goods (I so love those tops!). I shall wear them without being struck by lightning.

p/s I can't stop thinking about this long black dress I saw. I'm so tempted to buy it. Laukong (ever the "realist") asked if I was expecting an invite to some award ceremony or prom (READ: where the hell are you going to wear that frock?) I think I might just buy it, if only to let it hang in my wardrobe. Itchy hands, itchy wallet.

We're S.H.O.P.P.I.N.G. - Brunei Style & Random Ramblings

Bought 2 tops, 1 pants, 1 pair of shoes (finally! And at Bata too!). Most of the other stuff are for my first-born - his study desk plus stationery accessories.

Some random thoughts:
1) Why do Bruneians like to stare? Ok so "ada mata" you might say, but at least smile at the person you are staring at rather than look with that not-so-discreet once-over look.

2) Why do Bruneian couples like to sit side-by-side when they eat at restaurants? Is it so that your date won't be able to see you tomota sauce moustache?

3) Does the "Kadai Komunis" shop really play the same song on "repeat 1" since its opening God-knows how long ago that was?

Found my favourite Japanese magazine Vivi at Grand Utama of all places - who cares if it was the December 2006 edition. I haven't bought the magazine in years since HMV, Singapore stopped selling them. I remember my maiden purchase at a Japanese book shop in Piccadilly Circus very well. There were so many magazines to choose from but alas, in true Best Eastern Bookshop-style they were all wrapped in plastic. I recall shyly asking a Japanese lady standing next to me which magazine she recommends - my criteria was very specific, which magazine had the most articles on handbags - the designer kind no less.

We're S.H.O.P.P.I.N.G. - Brunei Style: Puteribelibelah Strikes Back

It's been a while since I last blogged. I've been busy and too lazy to blog. The Sims 2 has taken over my life.

On the other hand much shopping has been done here in Brunei Darussalam - would you believe? Countless DVD's, more than a dozen shirts and tops and a watch (convinced Laukong that 1) I needed a dress watch - surely my Chanel J12 does not go with a baju-kurung? 2) Have not really been much of a watch person. Last watch purchase was more than 2 years ago. 3) It cost less than my dream watch - MUCH). No shoes though. Laukong surprised me with a Nikon D80 a couple of weeks ago though I have yet to fully realise its potential. Laukong also bought a car which we are hoping to be relased early next week before we leave for Nigeria.

First-born has also started school last week. Suffice to say that he enjoys it and has comfortably found a new best friend. I have also been invited to a coffee morning this coming Monday. One of the mummies has opened a cafe.

We went to visit a friend in KB yesterday. We only arrived home in the wee hours of this morning around 3:30. But it was good to catch up and spend time together.

We're S.H.O.P.P.I.N.G. - Brunei Style & Sister

Spent the whole day with my #2 sister yesterday. It didn't take much for me to convince Laukong that I needed some time-out from him *no apologies required* and for a girly day out.

We ended up spending most of the time (and money) in Iora. I bought 5 shirts (perchance I do not need to make that day trip to Singapore afterall), a pair of shorts and a bag for my sister. Later we went DVD shopping (bought tons for Laukong) and chilled at The Dome. Went for a quick stop at Vincci before heading home - Vincci has failed me this time. I went out empty-handed.

Night at the Mall Cinema

Watched the Night at the Museum with Laukong, first-born and *ahem* an extra courtesy of first-born (will not get into details for fear of offence). I must say I enjoyed the movie despite not being a big Ben Stiller fan (though I must confess I have been guilty of watching many of his movies and enjoying them for some reason unbeknownst to me).

P/S Kirim salam to the *ahem* popcorn guy. I can't believe he still works there. Must find excuse to buy popcorns at The Mall.

Easy Like Sunday Gathering

The whole family went to Seria today to visit what's left of our friends still living there. It turned out to be a mini-gathering in our honour, which reminds me of what I miss most while living abroad.

After late-lunch (from corn-dogs & kebabs to rojak & cucur tarap), the whole event turned into a DVD marathon. Well actually it was more like a dissection and scene-by-scene critique of The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring (extended version) and The Matrix (with the making-of scenes behind the actions). Of course, the most active particpants were yours truly and a dear friend (who has still stuck to his promise of being my side-kick to our yet-to-materialise backpacking trip to India - bless him).

The kids had the most wonderful time catching up. My first-born enjoyed himself immensely ending with the usual tantrums of not wanting to go home. Yes, this kind of visits normally do end in tears.

Indeed it is always nice to catch up with friends - it has been more than 10 years ago that I first met them when there were, originally, 10 of us batched up together ready to be shipped to the UK on scholarship. We have all come a long way since. Some did not make it through university, some of us got married and became parents (a spin-off of Baby Gatherings soon ensued), some are still enjoying their honeymoon period, some only starting to enjoy the wonders of parenthood while some have since resigned from our employer and onto what seemed like greener pastures. But no matter where we are, we have somehow managed to keep in touch over the years - with some more often than not. But with the wonders of e-mail, we do maintain some kind of contact with everyone through bulk e-mails with news of each other.

I've said it before and I will say it again, the one thing I miss the most is my friends. For it is friends that keep you sane when you feel your whole world is crumbling down (like when your colleague is being a bitch). For it is your friends with whom you share your joy (like when a new handbag is aquired). For it is your old friends that are the best friends.

We're S.H.O.P.P.I.N.G. - Brunei Style

Today me and Laukong went down to Bandar sans les enfants. I don't remember the last time we went out "just the two of us". We had dim sum at the restaurant (just realised that I don't know the name) at Hua Ho Mall in Jalan Muara.

I told Laukong that I wanted to get myself a pair of earrings since the one that I have been wearing is getting a little bit too rusty now. It's about time I update my good old dependable B$2.50 version from Nanyang (I'm surprised it has lasted this long considering my earlobes normally get infected for wearing non-gold earrings).

So off we went to The Mall as I recall correctly there is a white gold jewellery store. I got more than I had bargained for - what with Laukong feeling - rather unlike him (sorry, babe) - should I say...generous. An extremely happy me got out with a pair of hooped-earrings with diamonds, a pair of diamond studs, a pearl necklace (on my wishlist) and a pair of pearl earrings as an afterthought.

Then I managed to buy 3 tops for myself, which is a feat in itself considering most shops in Brunei only cater for stick-thin Hongkie-sized gals.

Laukong also bought me The Sims 2 - Pets for my PSP (only later to be claimed by my first-born), and we bought Seasons 1 & 2 of Little Britain for our Friday night DVD sessions back in Nigeria.

My jet-lag is showing some signs of improvement. I woke up at 10:30, courtesy of a phone call from a dear friend.

Home Not So Sweet Home

Holiday's over. We are now in good old Brunei Darussalam. Not in Nigeria, I hear you say? Oh. Did we not tell you that we have been evacuated? Yes, the wonders of living in such a politically volatile country. After much incident of bomb attacks in Port Harcourt (I'll let you google/search/whatever it on the Internet) - our employer has decided that all dependents are to be evacuated back to home countries. This happened just before our scheduled holidays in South Africa. So we flew back to Brunei straight from Jo'Berg. Oh the pain.

It just hit me that coming home unplanned is so not fun. Boo-hoo. I'm homeless (we're living at the in-laws); carless (so-have-to-depend on Laukong to take me out); helpless (how do I continue to work in Nigeria if my children can't come with me?)

We're S.H.O.P.P.I.N.G. - The Revenge

...yes, tomorrow WAS definitely another day. I had a follow-up visit to LV and bought the following:

1) Monogram Sac Plat
2) Monogram Speedy 25 for my mum
3) Monogram wallet

We're S.H.O.P.P.I.N.G.

Hurrah! Hurrah! Definitely got my dose of shopping today. Bought myself the following:

1) LV Manhattan GM handbag
2) LV Monogram Canvas Zippy Organiser
3) Prada shoes (really cute!)
4) Gucci handbag with the classic bamboo handle
5) Gucci belt
6) Gucci baby bottle holder

I am definitely a happy bunny today.

...but tomorrow is another day. Hah hah.

Gimme Hope Joanna

We've just arrived in Jo'Berg today. Frankly it's not as nice as Cape Town. If it wasn't for my handbag craving, I would have probably given it a miss.

Laukong was a happy man today though. For a change he did the shopping and not me. He is now the proud owner of a MacBook Pro. He hinted that he will count it as his belated birthday present. So I told him if that's the case, then it will be his belated/crimbo/advanced birthday present combo. Hahaha!

I have purposely not bought any handbags yet since we will be spending 4 days here. If I were to buy them today, I would get the earliest flight home tomorrow and not bother with the other 3 days.

So for now, let's give Jo'Berg a chance and see what she's got to offer.

Cape Town: The Greatest Hits

Our wonderful apartment at the Marina in The Waterfront area.


The Waterfront


Camp's Bay


Boulder's Beach in Simon's Town


The Great White Shark at the Two Oceans Aquarium


Long Street


Where Nelson Mandela made his first Freedom Speech

p/s That's not me and Laukong btw.


Table Mountain


This mosque was all that remained of the old District 6. In 1966 the apartheid-era government declared it to be a "whites-only" area. All coloured people were forced to move out of the area. The only remaining buildings alllowed to stand were that of worship - hence the mosque.


Since the abolishment of the apartheid rule, many coloured people returned to the District 6. Most of whom are decendants of slaves from the Far East during the spice trade. Traditionally houses were not numbered, so the houses were painted in different colours to differentiate. That trandition has evidently since continued.


Bo-Kaap the Cape Malay area, also now predominatly where the Muslim settlers live. Some Malay words are still used like "lebaran" for the Eid celebrations (though you may want to pronounce it in an Afrikan accent - which I could definitely get used to!).


It's a long, long way to Tippereree...


Finally a place I learnt in my primary school history books


Cape Point


Cape of Good Hope (at least I can now claim that I have gone sampai ke hujung dunia with Laukong - well, almost).

Sightings of the ghost ship The Flying Dutchman (of The Pirates of the Carribean fame) have been claimed - apparently.

Happy New Year, 2007

Happy New Year! Happy New You! Happy New Me!

Not one to bother with new year's resolution - so am not about to start one this year. However I have been enjoying my holiday here in Cape Town. It is such a wonderful place to be.

I finally did some "real" shopping today - much to Laukong's horror, but who was he to stop his much deprived better half. Bought myself a pair of Chloe shoes and another addition to my Paddington bag. Yippee!

We will be departing to Jo'berg on Thursday and plan to do more handbag shopping there. So no more bag shopping in Cape Town for now - heh heh *fingers crossed*.

BRB

Currently on holiday. Will post pictures and updates soon. Server here somehow cannot cope with picture uploads.

Goodbye seems to be the hardest word

It is still uncertain whether or not I will return to Nigeria. The hardest part is saying goodbye to our household staff. My biggest worry is what will happen to them if we don't come back? Where will they find a job when all the expats are going away?

It is strange that I do not feel fear after all that has happened. The sadness is too overwhelming for any other emotions to surface. I will miss our house here. It is our home. We have so many happy memories here albeit for a short four months. The children have settled-in so well, especially our first-born. He has come such a long way since we have arrived here.

I still cannot believe that it has come down to this - all because of selfish acts by individual groups who think that their cause is for the greater good. But how can that be when it is destroying their country's biggest source of income? With all the expats leaving, their own comunity will lose their jobs.

I really don't want to think about what will happen to our household staff. It breaks my heart to think of them without any source of income. What will they do? Where will they find employment outside of the camp? If I could, I would bring them all home with us. The children will certainly miss them. They have been so good to the children. We will never find such kind and caring people anywhere in the world.

I just wish the situation would improve. But at this point in time that would be wishful thinking. There is still the main election to overcome. It will take some time for the dust to settle.

We have no choice but to just wait and see. We will leave in the hands of God to decide.

Countdown

Yesterday

At almost 2pm, we got an e-mail from our warden that there has been an explosion at the camp - possibly a car bomb. I quickly called home and made sure that the kids are ok. Nobody really felt like working after that. I was too distracted to do anything - I just wanted to go home and be with the children.

On the way home, we saw the wreckage. It just seemed surreal. I had a hard time registering the fact that the camp had been attacked.

We had an emergency briefing later that evening with the Director. He comfirmed that it had been a car bomb. Turned out that we weren't the only camp attacked. Another car bomb was also detonated at another camp almost simultaneously as ours. A militant group had claimed responsibility. They also claimed that there was a third bomb but aborted it at the last minute to prevent loss of innocent lives.

This attack can only mean bad news for us expats.

For the Love of 80's: Drive-In

For the Love of 80's: Marry, marry quite contrary

Before the Unsung Heroes of the new millenium came along, these were the guys that I wanted to marry:

Diary of a Brosette

While researching for materials for my "For the Love of 80's" entries, it occured to me how big a part Bros had played in my life as I entered into my tweenage years.

I remembered the first time I saw on tv. I think it was sometime in 1987. "When Will I Be Famous" was not even released yet. It was on a programme called "Going Live", and Sarah Green was interviewing them. I don't remember what about them that caught my eye. But the rest as they say is history - I was hooked, big time.

So there begins my journey as a Brosette. All pocket money would be spent on financing my Brosette habit. Of course, living in London definitely had it's advantages. It meant that I had access to everything.

The Brosette uniform:
Red blazer (check)
Doc Martens with Grolsch bottle top (pass - held my dad responsible for not drinking beer)
The infamous Red or Dead shoes with watch (check - at 60 quid, it was the most expensive shoes that a 12-year old me had bought)
Gold bull buckle (pass - mum wouldn't let me buy)
James Dean buckle (check)
Red bandana tied around collar boy scout style (check)
Ripped Levi's 501 (check - sponsored my granddad - hugs)

Realising there was no turning back in my obsession for Bros, mum surprised me with concert tickets at the Wembley Arena. I was extremely ecstatic. It was the best Christmas present ever.

There were others - Brother Beyond, Halo James - that tried and tested the Bros fomula. But none even won me over. I would watch them in disgust as they did their performances on Top of the Pops.

Of course the highlight of my career as a Brosette (or to any Brosette for that matter) was when I met Matt Goss. Yes, I did! God must have felt kind (or probably sorry for me) that fateful night to have made my wish come true. I was in Our Price record shop in Bayswater with my mum. As usual I went straight to the record section and automatically went to the "B" section searching for any edition of Bros records that I have not bought yet.

Then my mum started acting really weird and funny. You know when people started to communicate with you like their eyes are about to pop out and all. Then she told me to turn around and see who was looking behind me. I have never been so dumbstruck in my life.

MATT GOSS WAS STANDING RIGHT IN FRONT OF ME SMILING AND SAYING SOMETHING. For the life of me it took a while for me to figure out that Matt Goss was actually talking to me!! Oh did I also mention that he gave me a peck on the cheek (I don't think I washed my face for a while after that night).

I don't remember exactly how my career as a Brosette faded/ended. I suspect it had a lot to do with Craig Logan's departure. I did try to extend my loyalty when Too Much was released, but somehow it just wasn't the same. I think my loyalty only stretched as far as Chocolate in the Box.

But as you know, the departure of Bros in the music world gave way to New Kids on the Block - literally.

Matt Goss
Official