Saturday 25 June 2016

Wonderful dinner last night at Royal Brunei Yacht Club which, of course, doesn't serve alcohol, but due it being a private club one may bring his own. Regrettably we brought too much and, as it was available and we were having such fun, drank it. Getting up a head of steam this morning at 0600 for breakfast at the club was a bit of a chore, but omelet with coffee was good and, astonishingly, included real bacon.

Sunday

Since we've been eating and drinking extravagantly in Brunei our sylph-like figures are in some jeopardy. Nascent padding over normally ripped abs (you believe me don't you?) is causing serious angst. Last night was another extravaganza at the upriver RBYC and tonight's planned farewell dinner at the Mangrove Paradise Resort bodes ill for additional regression. (Huh?)

Monday

It did. The word pudgy has re-entered our vocabulary, but absence of breakfast at RBYC Serasa may help. Departure from resort was in drizzle and arrival downstream dodging crazy fishermen working the channel in blinding rain. If it ever stops the day will be spent schlepping maybe 300 liters of diesel back from petrol station in 20 liter jugs. Not only does so much motoring use fuel that must be replaced, but oil and filter changes seem to be necessary every other week.

- Later

Well that was slightly more fun than getting keelhauled, but at least the tanks are nearly full. Top up in KK should get us to Raja Ampat. Dinner tonight at RBYC then out of here manana. For reasons of courtesy, joy will be restrained. Brunei is a country of contrasts, very modern and yet not. Oil has made it unnecessary to cut down old growth rain forest as was done in most of Borneo, but Brunei River is awash in trash and logs. British inspired common law is overlaid with Sharia. Prices in Bandar Seri Begawan are close to Singapore without the cleanliness or beauty. Glad we came, happy to go.

Tuesday

Brekkie and a last swim in excellent lap pool and we're off to Pulau Keraman for a beach barbie and piss-up with several of our degenerate yachty mates before arrival in Labuan. Hello Sabah.

Jack