Happy National Day

I cannot help noticing since 1983 when the population was only 200,000, Brunei now has 400,000 mouths to feed. That's a lot of young people amongst the populace now. Throughout the 23 years, Brunei has experienced great peace, progress and prosperity. But now these young people are starting to enter the job market. One sign of a vibrant economy is whether you can keep the best and brightest of a community's young people at home. That means having good jobs available, but it also means nurturing young talent and showing them what is available.

Though Brunei has many merits, it still nevertheless also has other shortcomings. There are people living in this Abode of Peace who don't have access to the basic necessities of life. In the Brunei of my dreams there will be no poor people. The other simple dream is for a proper motorway between KB and BSB- that's only 100km of black top. Not too much to ask for.

Nasi Lemak on Sunday

Today we went to Toko Mix Restaurant to have Nasi Lemak for lunch. It was great. So much so that we only had some light fillings for the evening.

In the afternoon, Chelsea was playing against Arsenal young guns in the Carling Cup. It was a nice attacking game with lots of incidents. But at the end the overpaid Chelsea won - but just.

In the meantime my team of 29 years won 4-1 today against Bolton.

Antwerp in Belgium

Last Saturday we went on a worthwhile trip heading South. First stop was Rosada Factory Outlet, an hour drive located in the outskirt of Roosendaal smack in-between Rotterdam and Antwerp. This place is smaller than the one in Roermond.

Then we moved to Antwerp to an American-style shopping mall called Wijnegen Shopping Center. It was mainly window-shopping and having alook around.

Towards the evening we went to the Centre of Antwerp hoping to find a well known Malaysian restaurant. We found the place - called Satay House next to the Central station but decided to go back and have our dinner in The Hague.

Knight Hall in the Hague

The knight Hall is a building in the Binnenhof (Parliment) Courtyard in The Hague. The building is known as Ridderzaal, literally means Knight’s Hall. It dates back from the 13th century. The outside walls of the hall is said to have a thickness of 1.2 meters.

Each year, on the third Tuesday of September, known as the Prinsjesdag, the Dutch Queen holds her annual speech in the knight hall.

E46 in red

The E46 is the name for the automobile platform for the fourth generation BMW's 3 Series. This red one is powered by the powerful M54B25 engine, a 2.5 L (2494 ccm) power-horse giving an output of 184 hp (143 kW) at 6000 RPM with 175 ft.lbf (245 Nm) of torque at 3500 RPM if it at all means anything to you.

Why red? Red is associated with anger, blood, passion and most importantly love! Red is of course one of the three primary colours. Red light has a certain wavelength range, frequencies lower than this are called infrared, or below red and cannot be seen by human eyes. Not that you cannot see this car, it just happened to be red when we saw it.

No More Leaves Standing

During Autumn, the normally green leaves change colour to red or yellow before eventually falling during Winter. The phenomenon resulted in a really beautiful time during Autumn commonly called Fall or Autumn colours before turning into a really dull sight in Winter where no more leaves are left standing on the trees.

But alas, spring is coming. Can't wait to see the tulips blossoming again and filling the colour of the countryside in Holland especially the area around Noordwijk and Harlem.

Circular Glass Roof

Beyond providing functional characteristics, architects nowadays heed many aesthetic qualities to improve the environment within a building. A good one is this massive glass roof in Centro located above a promenade which house some 20 food outlets and hundreds of seats for diners.

It brings with it a great sense of openess, great space and at the same providing natural lighting. It also makes good sense in this era of increasing awareness of global warming and energy conservation.

Oberhausen in Germany

Last Saturday we drove for two hours in the direction of Germany to a city called Oberhausen. Its a straight drive from The Hague plying through A12 and A2 motorways, passing through Utretch and Arnhem before reaching Oberhausen. Destination was Centro Shopping Complex, a place we often frequented the last time we were here 10 years ago. It was then the largest shopping complex in Europe.

The place is still really big with over ten thousands parking spaces! The surrounding area has now been developed with theme park, sealife, convention centre etc. Generally items sold here are quite a bargain compare to what you pay in Holland.

Car Wash

It cost 4 Euro for basic wash without drying and up to 10 Euro to include hot waxing and drying. Sunday late afternoon seems to be a popular time of the week for this activity.

Today petrol is selling at 1.30 Euro per litre, that's equivalent to B$2.86 per litre. In Brunei it only cost 53 cents per litre. That 5.1/2 times more expensive here. Imagine how much the Dutch government is gaining from fuel tax.

Amsterdam’s Dam Square

Dam Square is the historical center of Amsterdam, approximately 0.8km south of the Amsterdam Centraal Station.

It connects with Kalverstraat, the busiest shopping street of Amsterdam. It's named after the kalvermarkt (calves market) that historically took place over there.

Several times a year, such as near Christmas, there is a big funfair on Dam Square. Especially when it's getting dark, it brings a nice warm atmosphere to the place.

Bicycle Shed

Today we went to Amsterdam. Parking our car near the Centraal Station is a convenient but very expensive (3.40 euro per hour) exercise. Standing on the canal bank next to the Centraal Station is a multi-level parking lot for bicycles. Easily there are more than a thousand bicycles in this parking lot alone.

In the Netherlands, cycling is very popular. Bicycles are used for various reasons, including recreation, travelling from city to city, tourism or just simply to cycle to the local high street to shop at the supermarket. Many roads have separate cycle lanes marked along it.

Over the Dead Sea

Taking off from Amman, my flight passed through the Dead Sea, Jerusalem, the West Bank and Israel before reaching the Mediterranean Sea. I took this photo showing the Dead Sea from above while the plane was still gaining attitude. The Dead Sea is a body of hyper-saline water measuring 67km long and 18km wide. It is the Earth's lowest point, at 418m below sea level, and is located on the border between the West Bank, Israel, and Jordan, and lies in the Jordan Rift Valley.

Today in the news, there are more clashes between Palestine and Israel’s security at the ground of the Al-Aqsa Mosque in Jerussalem. For me being 5000m above is the closest I have been to this holiest site.

The Heshemite Kingdom

After 3 long hard days, its time to head back to Holland. That's tomorrow! Jordanian that I worked with were vey nice and helpful. Most were curious where I am from - are you from China? Japan? Korea? NO NO. The mention of Brunei suddenly sparked life like I was a long lost friend.

Jerussalem is only 45 minutes drive. There is a lot to see and learn here. May be next time.... hopefully soon!

I got this image from one of the guy here. The Jordanian monarchy was set up in 1921 by the help of the British. Abdullah I was made the first king of the new Hashemite dynasty. The dynasty originates in the Hejaz, a region in the northwest of present-day Saudi Arabia. Photo: names from right: Sherif Hussein, Abdullah I (1921-51), King Talal I (1951-52), King Hussein I (1952-99) and King Abdullah II (1999-present).

4-Seasons Hotel

Its a strange place. First a vehicle check 100m away from the hotel by gun-carrying , black balaclava security people and then walking through airport-style body screening before entering the hotel lobby. Inside is totally another world.

Today a group of American was seen entering the hotel, heavily guarded, apparently having a break from assigment in Iraq. Jordan is not blessed with lots of oil like its Arab neighbours but seems to be doing not too bad. Main industry being tourism, agriculture and some helps from Uncle Sam. People seems to be happy and enjoying life. Restaurants seem to be always lively and full, but if you can't stand being in the company of chain smokers, this place is not for you.

Snowy Holland

Amman is cold, Holland is colder!

Apparently heavy snow has showered Holland for the past two days. Fiz sent this photo showing Zim and Ish playing in the backyard after school yesterday. Traffic was bad and many reaching school or office pretty late.

Hey where's the snowman?

Cold Amman

Paris Charles de Gaulle is not a friendly airport to catch your connecting flight. The place has got 3 big C's- chaotic, crowded and confusing. From Paris its a 4.5 hrs flight to Jordan.

In Amman, entry visa can be obtained for 10 Jordan Dinar (equivalent to 10 Euro) upon arrival. Then its short drive to the city. Amman is an expanding city of 2 mln people, located close to some of the current world's 'hot spots' - bordering Iraq, Israel and Syria.

Weather here is suprisingly cold (6 degC) and rainy. There are no skyscrappers or significant landmark to orientate where you are. Amman is built on top of 7 jabals (mountains) with valleys in between -so it can be very confusing. Here's a snap of Amman from the 10th floor.

One Way to Travel

One way to go to the office - The Hague has a fabulous tram system which has been around over a hundred year.

The trams are very dependable and easy to use, all you need is a tram map, 1.80 Euro (a strippenkaart or monthly pass would be a much better deal), and you're off.

Tram are like miniature train with their tracks partly or wholly laid in streets. Trams are given priority at traffic junctions and are on the go all the time.

A great Take-Away

Donner Kebab, made up of sliced lamb or chicken loaf slowly roasted on a vertical rotating stand, has become a common sight in almost every main street in Holland. Doners can include various salad ingredients such as carrots, red cabbage and fresh mint as well as a number of creamy sauces or even hot sauce.

The original form of today's doner kebab is grilled horizontally and the slices are cut thicker, served on a plate with rice and a hot sauce with melted butter and ground paprika. Today, doner kebab is typically served as a pita sandwich (flat bread).

Oranje Facts

The Netherlands national football team does not wear the colors of the Dutch flag of today, but instead plays in bright orange. Orange is the historic national colour of the Netherlands, originating from the coat of arms of the Dutch founding father William of Orange-Nassau.

The title of Prince of Orange became synonymous with the Governor of the Netherlands. Prince of Orange is a title of nobility, originally associated with the principality of Orange in the valley of Rhone in southern France. Since 1983, the heir to the Dutch throne, whether male or female, bears the title Prince or Princess of Orange.

Clever Cow

Standing in the middle of a shopping alley in the Hague, this clever way of advertising a clothing line provoke a moment to ponder. Why is the cow wearing human clothes? (Because it's funny!) If it is truly a happy cow, it would be outdoors eating grass and making milk. This cow looks more sophisticated, though. It probably use Apple computers and got shares in faraway stocks ... well, may not.

Now I'm just being utterly ridiculous.

Blessings of Muharram

It is the first month of the Islamic Calendar. In Holland, first Muharram falls on Friday 19th.

There are many bounties of this month, especially the tenth of Muharram. The day is named Ashurah. There are several Hadiths that refer to the importance of the day. It is recommended to be generous on this day towards family members and parents and to fast.

O' Allah! Bless us to perform good deeds. Make the new year one of unity, cooperation and success.

Morning Snow

After two freezing nights below zero degrees, snow finally arrived early this morning albeit a sprinkle or two forming a thin coating on the road.

The next few days is of mix forecast depending whether the system is more dominant from the Arctic north or the warmer air stream from the Atlantic to the south.

Turkish Bread

Today we ate at Tadim Restaurant, a Turkish restaurant along Kempstraat Road near the famous Haag Market.

This restaurant is a bit unique as it has a large grill place where you can sit and have meal around it while watching your mix grill being cooked.

Turkish bread is normally served while you wait, to be eaten with yogurt sauce.

The Backyard

At the back is a small garden store and quite some space as well. Can't wait till the weather is a bit warmer to do outside activities again and perhaps do some barbeque.

This week the temperature is supposed to plumet and a small chance of snow shower. Watch the space!

Home Sweet Home

View of our house from the front.

Its a corner house with tall hedge all around and plenty of greens on the side and back. Built in the 70's, this multi-split level design has a garage at the base, kitchen and living room, followed by 6 rooms in the top 3 levels (including the attic).

Rental is at Euro3300 per month and that excludes utility costs!

Binnenhof

The Binnenhof is a collection of buildings in The Hague. It houses the Dutch parliament since 1446.

The grounds on which the Binnenhof now stands was purchased by Count Floris IV of Holland in 1229, where he built his mansion. More buildings were constructed around the court, several of which are well known in their own right:

- the Ridderzaal (Knight Hall), where the Dutch Queen holds her annual speech.
- het Torentje (the small tower) has been the working space of the Prime minister of the Netherlands since 1982.

The City of The Hague (Den Haag or 's-Gravenhage in Dutch) is internationally recognized as the world's capital of international Justice. After New York and Geneva, The Hague is the third UN city in the world.

Dinner at Museum Bredius

Invited for dinner at this Museum together with a group of high level visiting Government delegate. This small Museum can be booked for corporate functions such as entertaining business partners or visitors - quite a brilliant concept.

Located right across the lake in front of the Parliament House in The Hague, the Museum is named after Abraham Bredius, known mainly as a Rembrandt expert and collector.
Bredius lived from 1855 to 1946 and was born in Amsterdam to a prominent family. In 1922 when Abraham Bredius left Holland to live in Monaco, he gave all his art collection to the municipality of The Hague.

Skating Season

This year's winter might be mild but that does not stop the enthusiasm of the populace to skate. Here's a temporary skate rink put at the centrum of The Hague.

But skating on frozen canal is even more interesting. Back in 1997 when we were here, the last Elfstedentocht or Eleven-cities Tour was held.

The skating tour, almost 200 km in length, is conducted on frozen canals, rivers and lakes between the eleven Frisian cities in the province of Friesland in NE Netherlands. There is minimum requirement that the ice must be a minimum thickness of 15 centimetres along the entirety of the course.

Since 1909, the tour has only been held 15 times. That 1997 race was the the most recent one. The winner took 6:49 hours to complete at an average speed of 29.3 km/h. Some 15,000 amateur skaters also joined the race.

The Big Storm

Gale-force winds and heavy rains hit the Netherlands in what is the worst storm in years.

Workers were advised to go home early. Across Europe at least 40 people dead with winds packing up to 200 km/hr. Here's the fatality statistic : Britain (11), Germany (11), The Netherlands (6), Poland (6), Czech Republic (3) and France (3).

The photo is of a fallen tree close to our home blocking the main access road. The emergency services however were very efficient and managed to clear the tree within hours.

My boy is hooked to RuneScape

With over nine million active free players and more than 850,000 paying members, RuneScape is rated among the most popular online games in the world.

RuneScape takes place in the fantasy realm of Gielinor which is divided into the 3 Kingdoms and various other areas. Each region offers different types of monsters, materials and quests.

Players are shown on the screen with medieval customes. They set their own goals and objectives, deciding which of the available activities to pursue. Players can engage in combat with other players or with monsters, complete quests, or increase their experience in many skills. Players interact with each other through trading, chatting, or playing combative or cooperative mini-games.

A walk in the Ardennes

Last October, Zim went on a school trip to the Ardennes for 4 days. It was her first trip on her own.

It took 4 hours by bus, the place itself is deep in the Ardennes Forest, suitable for doing all sort of outdoor activities. She did the lot - canoeing, trekking, rock climbing, archery, river crossing, some team work etc etc.

She looked really tired after all that but she really enjoyed it. It was a good experience for her.

What's in Fiz Mind

I found this in our shared drive. Looks very interesting and tells a lot of story.

Apparently it is one of Fiz making. Emm...

Warm Winter

It has been the hottest Autumn on record i.e. 300 years. And the mildest Winter if it stays like this.

Temperature only dipped below zero only once. Technically we are in mid-winter but the day temperature outside is hovering around double figures.

But I also hear people saying that winter seems to come much later lately and snow might appear in February or even in March.

Entertaining New Trainees

It turned out to be a big crowd. 9 chaps were on training here and we managed to entertain them with a good array of Malay food at the Toko Corner Mix Restaurant.

Owned by a family who originated from Kelantan, this restaurant is definitely another favourite hunting ground. The owner has been living in Holland for 27 years.

Fiz Birthday in January 2007

Turn of age, we celebrated it at one of our favourite eat-out - the Indian Glory. The owner, Ahmad, is a Muslim Indian who used to work in Sandakan Sabah. He still can converse in Malay!

Our favourite dishes are Chicken Tikka Massala, Aloe Gobi and Chicken Tandori. To end the evening we normally have Tea Tarik!

Roermond in December 2006

A 2 hours drive towards Maastrict, its a shopper's paradise.

The Roermond Factory Outlet has over 100 shops and gives at least 30% cut from normal retail price. After Christmas sale is even better with further 50% discount.

This is a place where all my countrymen would love to go.

"Banyak tah shopping?"

"Indalah jua banyak..... ganya panuh saja Bonet!"

Paris in October 2006

Our first long-distance trip from Paulaland was back in October 2006 to Paris.

It took 3.5 hours by Thelys to reach Paris, staying at a nice place close to the Arc de Triumph courtesy of a good friend there.

Among the itenary was spending 4 hours whizing through the history of the world in the Louvre Museum and getting a glimpse of the world famous potrait of Mona Lisa.

Photo was taken looking from inside the museum looking up the glass pyramid.

Next stop was the Disneyland. My advice - one day is not enough.

On the third day we celebrated Hari Raya Aidilfitri at the Embassy, later climbing Paris rotten steel landmark better known as the Eiffel Tower.

This photo was taken from the second level of the tower looking west towards the more futuristic part of Paris.

Mulu Caves in May 2006

This splendour is hidden in the thick jungle of Borneo.

Hidden underneath the forested slopes of Gunung Mulu is one of the largest limestone cave systems in the world. Accommodation can be found in the form of the Royal Mulu Resort, quite a surprising facility deep in the jungle of Borneo!

It’s a place for adventure and walking - 3km walk to the Deer and the Lang Cave and then witness some 5 million bats ascending in the sky in the late evening. Followed next morning by a long boat ride going up river to explore the Wind Cave and the Clearwater Cave.

Cameroon Highland in April 2006

This shot was taken during a trip to the Cameroon Highland.

The drive from Kuala Lumpur was about three and a half hours. Once we hit the slope near the town of Tapah, its a long winding road from there on (about 60km) to reach the top.

The place is well known for its tea plantations but also a place for cool and fresh air. We visited one of the tea factory (Boh Tea) to see the process of tea production.

Other things you could do are strawberry picking, seeing the cloud pass by below you etc etc.

The Start

Hi everyone,

This is my first stab of creating my own blog - a bit late you might say considering there are already zillions of blogs out there.

But lets see how it goes. It might end abruptly ..... or .... it might develop into an exciting journey.

This is the Google-Earth picture of our house. We moved in way back in August 2006. Its located in a nice neighbourhood in The Hague.