A Kite Outing

Unsuccessfully trying to fly a kite at home over the weekend, we quickly piled into the car and made an impromptu trip (as always) to Tungku beach. Only one try and we were up and away.

Nothing new - a tug over the controls

And Ayden won

Fantastic Kota Batu View

Pictures taken from yesterday's run. There are houses along this stretch who wake up to this view every morning.

The green area which look like part of the island is actually mangroves

We won!

Beautiful weather for the day

It was the Mike Pike Memorial Trophy at the RBYC this weekend bringing sailors from all over Borneo. Our readers will know that neither myself nor Donncha are sailors so what could we have won? Well luck was on our side Saturday night, we won two prizes from the race raffle and I only bought four tickets. We won a drill set (our handy man will like that) and the top prize of return air ticket to Singapore!

Prize giving - spot Iman behind the flag pole

He's Irish Alright!

Whenever Ayden catches me having a cup of tea he always takes out his little cup. With some tea in it he them starts blowing and taking little sups. I guess very soon he'll ask for a biscuit and start dunking!

Anzac Day Hash

It was the Anzac Day run last night which was organised by the Kiwi girls. After the run - which was pretty tough, we were treated to fish and chips freshly cooked from a chipper van. Standing around the van waiting for the chips to cook brought me all the way back to Aberystwyth on a saturday night. 

One special story from last night's run was Veronica (in white below) celebrating 1,050 runs. A new record on the ladies hash. I am only 1,040 behind!

 

Happy Earth Day

It's that day again when everyone makes that bit of effort to go "green". Iman got the stickers from school so we are sharing with them with everyone else. At home we are trying our best to recycle and we hope that other Bruneians are too. It's much easier in Europe where everyone is made to recycle - just look at plastic bags in Ireland.

At home we now recycle most of our paper, cans and plastic. I have also invested in a compost tumbler for veg and fruit scraps. It's our first month yet and we're still waiting to be rewarded with a rich compost for our efforts.

Spread the word, we - especially in Brunei - need to do more!

Our monthly fix

It was the kids hash sunday afternoon so back from the picnic we had time for a cup of tea and a change of clothes before heading out again. We were joined by my sister Hanna and her two boys.  The run itself was fantastic and much longer than the other kids runs we have done. All the kids loved it especially with several water crossings involved. We wouldn't have thought it yesterday but even Hanna's says she'll be back next month.

There was a lovely waterfall before we had to climb, climb and climb to get out. I was too busy trying to take this picture that I did not notice Iman slip and grazed her knee on the rocks. A few tears but she got over it quite well and got on with the walk.

We did it!!

At the "shout out" after the run. Our two wondering if they will ever get a cup. Only 15 runs to go!

An Extended Family Picnic

On Sunday one of my Dad's cousins who has a beachfront property kindly invited our family to join the rest of the extended family to a very large picnic. This is my father's paternal side and it was nice to see cousins that we don't often see especially at such an informal relaxed gathering. This side of the family are originally from the island of Labuan and prior to that from more distant lands but that story is for another post.

Reception Regatta

Last week at school Iman's year made their own boats and today made a trip to the Yacht Club to race them in the swimming pool. Iman's tissue box boat came first in her first race but got too wet after that. It was a nice excuse to spend a few hours in the Yacht Club with the kids midweek. Roll on weekend.

 

Jack's Birthday Party

Here are pictures from Jack's birthday party on Sunday. Thanks to all our family and friends for all of Jack's presents. 

One very smart looking birthday boy

Our little tough guy

And old favourite, Pass The Parcel. Hariz gives Maya a hand

Well done to Donncha who took this picture before the treasure hunt

And they danced!

Well done to Jasmine who did all the catering (stress-free party for me) and this fantastic train cake

And then the pinata. Sitty made a fantastic job of this except I glued on Jack's name upside down (duhhhh!). 

The sweets kept them going for a few more hours! - sorry mums.

Which way to Ascot?

Jack is 3

It was Jack's birthday last Thursday but due to internet problems I was not able to post these pictures. We waited till the weekend to have a party and had a pavlova on the day itself.

Dear Sir Alex....

Please find attached photographs of two future ManUnited superstars...

Glad cooking was full!

Cooking ASA was full again this term so I convinced Iman that she ought to join touch rugby again. It is open for Year 1 upwards but a selected few from Iman's year were allowed to sign up. So not only was Iman one of the youngest in the group of 12 (the oldest boys were about 10) but also the only girl!

Monday morning walk

To get to the island we took a water taxi - another first for me

This morning I joined Margaret's weekly Monday morning walk for the first time. The location was the island Pulau Berambang just across from the water village. I have mentioned Margaret previously on a hash post - she does regular walks and excursions around Brunei and has probably seen more of Brunei than most Bruneians ever would. 

The start of the walk

The island itself is fairly small, mostly jungle and most probably 400-500 inhabitants. It only takes 5 minutes to drive from one one side to the other. We were transported on a retired museum department bus and we did not see another car on the road. Villagers walked between houses and to the small provision shop or rode motobikes without helmets. I also noticed most vehicles were unregistered. Afterall with no bridge or ferry to the mainland why would you? Anyway don't think the old bus would pass an MOT. 

Bukit Batu Bujang Pahang, our objective

It would be interesting to find out more about the island and its history. In Borneo where there are rocks jutting out there is sure to be old legends and I am sure that this island has its own legends that has been passed down through generations. There is also an abandoned coal mine which I am sure has a history.  

The climb was very steep initially but the view from the top was fantastic.

Brunei River and Brunei on one side of the island

And on the other side with the brown river as a boundry is already Malaysia. I never realised how close the boundry actually was on this side of Brunei.

Being the start of the week I felt guilty for not taking Iman to school, not dropping Donncha off to the airport and abandoning the boys for nearly five hours but with a superb walk and a magnificent view, what a fantastic way to start a week!

A Wet Outing

We made an impromptu trip to the beach yesterday evening. The plan was that the kids would play in the sand and maybe dip their toes. However Ayden had other ideas and both himself and Jack had to be stripped before getting in the car. Being very organized we had brought water and towels but we forgot the spare clothes!