Just hanging out - Adventure in the Asian Archipelago

November 22, 2004

Just hanging out

Hey all. I'm here in Brunei, enjoying the weather, enjoying the freedom of travel. I have been here for a few days already, and will likely stay a few more. I tried to arrange a 60d Indonesian visa (the visa on arrival is only 30d, nonextendable) but could not as they office in Brunei did not know that they existed. They do. Then I went to the Japanese embassy. The Bruneian at the front desk (after a thorough security check) was of absolutely no help. She did not know what a working holiday visa was, nor could she help me find out how I could go about getting one. Alternatively, she did not know how to issue a work visa. These also exist. Not in Brunei.

Vijen's wife, Lorrie, is home from New Zealand and I am enjoying her company. Both work as teachers and are finished at noon, so we spend the afternoon buzzing around doing things. Yesterday was Vijen and my day to visit the Royal Brunei Museum, incredible artefacts...

Tomorrow I think Lorrie and I will venture into the Bruneian jungle.

Perhaps Thursday the three of us will go to Miri in Sarawak province, Malaysia, then I may continue south to Kuching - the city of cats. Sure to get photos for Megan...

Posted by evonkrogh on November 22, 2004 06:44 PM
Category: Brunei Darussalam

Comments

Hey Erik,
Sounds like you having a good time, i look forward to hearing about this city of cats. Not much is going on here, it's cold and grey. I've just finished my 3rd essay for the month, i have a total of 3 lovely long papers left to write. My room at the moment looks more like a library. Can't wait to return them and then not see another library for a month. It's almost December so i am planning something for my B-day. Nothing big so far because everyone is busy but i'll figure something out. I hope you manage to get your visa extended. Have fun on your next journey.
Megan

Posted by: Megan on November 23, 2004 01:22 AM

ahh.. so you might be coming down to the 'city of cats' after all.. :-)

well, if you make it down after the 28th of November, fellow bootsnaller, Daniel of No Place as Home/Suitcasing, will also be in Kuching, visiting his bud (me!).

If you're interested in meeting up, send me an e-mail!

Posted by: cayce on November 23, 2004 08:54 AM

just a suggestion: if you're going to be in Miri, and heading to Kuching, why not use the rivers (instead of the road) like my ancestors used to? There are express boats from Miri to Kuching, etc. Definitely an experience because of the indigenous people would be inclined to use them instead of buses. And it's so bizarre because from some reason, american wrestling is so popular here and it's not uncommon to have tapes of wrestling matches shown on the express boats, avidly watched by elderly tattooed men, women clutching chickens, etc.. In any case, the bus rides could be hairier than the express boats because the drivers tend to speed and some of the roads are not that great. Of course there are flights to Kuching but that would be too easy. :-)

Posted by: cayce on November 23, 2004 10:51 AM

Hey kitten. Are we ever going to get a postcard o'fun? Oooh, Christina and I are moving downtown in January. Tres exciting. That is all. Hope you are well.

Posted by: Lauren on November 25, 2004 02:34 PM

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