Brunei

Bandar Seri Begawan

This Sultanate is such a strange place. It doesn't compare to anyting else. It's very small, but quite rich. It's very muslim. And very much so ruled by their Sultan who is omni-present. Still I think the Brunei people are happy with their small but peacefull country. Nobody really notices them. But they do have vast oilreserves which Shell is eagerly exploiting, constantly filling up the states treasury.

The capital of Bandar isn't the brightest capital I've seen. Nor the liveliest. Perhaps the people here don't really care if a young guy like myself has a good time while being here. Alcohol surely is forbidden and after eight o'clock in the evening things get earily quiet in the streets of Bandar. Still, Manni my boatdriver is proud of this place and answers my question about his happiness here with a big smile. He lives on the rivershore in one of the many waterhouses that are typical for Bandar. Around 40.000 people take these fast boats to and from their work and for all their errands daily. Even the mosques are on poles in the water!

I stood on an electricitypole in the middle of this waterway for hours to take these photos. A welcome change from the bustling, noisy and dusty streets in the capitals of Asia.