19- Feb 26:BRUNEI

Squeezed between the Malaysian state of Sarawak and the South China Sea, on the vas island of Borneo (World third largest), the tiny sultanate of BRUNEI DARUSSALAM is unlike any other Southeast Asian nation.
Ruled by the same family since the 14th century, it became a British protectorate in 1988 and made a living from trade before oil was discovered in 1929.
BRUNEI is one the richest countries in the world, its people benefitting from free public education and health care.

Oil rigs as far as you can see!!!

WELCOME TO MUARA, Deepwater port.

Water Village, known as the Venice of the East.

COCKTAILS (Non-alcoholic) at THE ROYAL REGALIA BUILDING. Opened in 1992, designed to incorporate characteristics of Malay Islamic Monarchy and a large number of the Royal gifts accumulated by the Brunei Government.

THE ROYAL REGALIA BUILDING

BRUNEI’S 29th Sultan, Haji Hashana Bolivia Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah, Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan Negara Brunei Darussalam.
Sultan Hashana Bolivia, has ruled since 1967. Part national leader, part spiritual mentor, part CEO. He has full control over government and billion of dollars (US) of oil revenue flowing into the country every year.

Once listed as the wealthiest man in the world, with an estimated $40 billion (US). But recent estimates put it at a mere $10 billion due to his extravagances, like his latest project, a 1,788 room palace with 257 bathrooms, ten elevators, five swimming pools, a 110-space garage, and air conditioned stables. Or buying a full size Airbus passenger jet as a birthday present to one of his daughters. He enjoys collecting , having owned 350 Rolls Royce, eight jets and over 200 through breed polo ponies.

Royal Chariot, the Sultan rode enthroned during the Royal Procession..

Mosque Jam As’ Hassanil Bolkiah in BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN, the capital of Brunei.

17.- Feb 24: SINGAPORE

After four days of cruising the calm waters of the Indian Ocean, the Andaman Sea and the Strait of Malacca, we arrived to
SINGAPORE: Contained just a few fishing settlements and a small trading port when the islands became part of the United Kingdom’s colonial empire in the 1820's
Since becoming an independent Republic in 1965, multiethnic Singapore has maintained political stability and high economic growth. As a result, Singapore is now Southeast Asia’s most important seaport, financial center and manufacturing hub and it’s citizens enjoy one of the world’s highest standards of living.
The cultural life reflects its past colonial administration and the country’s diverse population. Chinese, Malay, Indian and British influence.



Housing favors smaller families, as most units consist of smaller apartments in high rise buildings.










PORT: We were told it has the most traffic in the world. During one day, a 1,000 ships come in
moving 60,000 containers. It keeps on growing by reclaiming land from the sea.








INS AND OUTS OF SINGAPORE: We took this tour to get a unique "hands on" feel of how the locals get around the city. Our group was limited to 10 participants, following a local guide, walking tour of the city’s main highlights. We all received a "survival kit"- a sling bag with a map, bottled water, coins for subway fare, tiger balm, a sandalwood fan and a snack bar.
Buying tickets for the MRT SUBWAY.
You pay 3 Singapore Dollars for a day card.
At he end you can keep it as a souvenir or get
$1 dollar back.

So clean!!

Street Chinese Market

SHUANG LIN TEMPLE, reflects the Chinese architecture.

SRI MARIAMMAN TEMPLE, reelects the Hindu architecture.

18- Feb 24: SINGAPORE # 2

INS AND OUTS OF SINGAPORE (Continue)





Trishaw (Three wheel driven by a bicycle)
Very narrow!!











Signs of Jewish presence.

Indian section

Flea market

River boats & Water taxis






















The lion, symbol of Singapore. In the background, high rises housing the Financial Center.

New Cultural Center

End of tour with a Singapore sling. at the famous Raffles hotel, over 100 years old. Reflecting the British colonial architecture.

16.- Feb 20: KANDY, SRI LANKA

KANDY, the second largest city, sits around a beautiful lake nestled among the hills with a population of 45,000.









It’s shrines and monasteries remain prime examples of Buddhist influences in Sri Lanka to this day.




























We visited the TEMPLE OF THE TOOTH, (Behind the closed silver door), among the most sacred sites for Buddhists worldwide. Brought to SRI LANKA in the 4th century A.D.














The praying people, seem to be in a trance.













Interiors of the old Temple.


The oldest part was built 450 years ago.










A view of the ceiling










In the new building, they used elephant heads covered with gold plates to support the roof.

15.- Feb 20: SRI LANKA

The Island of SRI LANKA, south of India, used to be CEYLON.
COLOMBO, the main city of Sri Lanka (populations 2.2. million) has been an important port linking east and west since the 5th century.
Since its independence in 1948, has not stop growing and today you find a mix of modern high rise, large commercial buildings from a by-gone era with strong influence from the Dutch and English who in the 17th century had rich cinnamon & tea plantations.

WELCOME TO COLOMBO!!

Heavy traffic at all hours!

From Colombo Railway Station we boarded the 75 year old VICEROY SPECIAL for a three hour trip to KANDY. This restored, fully functional private luxury train, furnished in period style (With two observation saloons with plush seating, smoker’s lounge and a restaurant car.) Took us all the way up to 1,500 feet above sea level.

During the trip, they served us the famous Ceylon tea.

As wee climbed the mountains, , we were exposed to the most beautiful sceneries. Looking down at the manicured rice paddy fields and the Bible Mountain in the distance. Prime jungle territory with lush, green hills, that was a background for a Tarzan movie.

A midway stop !

The conductor ready!!! All aboard !!

14.- Feb 18: MALDIVES

MALE: The City of Male is the capital of the country. A tiny island of one square mile on Male Atoll. With bustling population of 60,000 people, half of the Maldives population.
City of contrast: high- rise, high-tech business districts with buildings in all kind of colors and shapes side by side with charming, low residential and commercial quarters.
A thousand tiny islands spread over 26 tropical atolls straddling he Equator in the hearth of the Indian Ocean

The Maldives offer some of the world’s most exotic islands getaways with a balmy climate and stunning beaches. 87 of the atolls have been transformed into intimate resorts for rest and relaxation.

The three-story ISLAMIC CENTER IS Male’s most famous architectural landmark.

It’s FRIDAY MOSQUE accommodate more than 5,000 worshipers. Built in the 1990's.

Male: For a tiny Island, the preferred personal transportation is the Vespa and other motor bikes.

The old cemetery (circa 1675): The tombs, For women have a rounded shape at the top.
For men, are bigger, with a crown at the top. For children they are smaller.

At the "Local fish market": The fisherman display their catch of the day and sell it directly to the consumers, after long negotiations about the price and they get a ticket.

The ticket is presented to one of the guys that cut and file the fish on the spot.

13.- Feb 15, SEYCHELLES ISLANDS:

The SEYCHELLES: Situated off the East coast of Africa, many of the more than 115 coral and granite islands have never been settled by man and remain just as nature intended. They have important populations of rare plants, birds and animals.
Arriving to Mahe, the biggest of the Seychelles islands. Arline captured a beautiful rainbow!!

JACK FRUIT, Grows on trees and is used to make the "Millionaires salad". Delicious !!

The Coco de Mer (Coconut) Palm , has huge shaped leaves. This fruit weights 44 pounds and once was thought to be the fruit of the Tree of Knowledge.

PRASLIN, The second largest island in the Seychelles is the epitome of tropical beauty.
With gorgeous white sand beaches which appear on numerous Top 10 lists.
Anze Lazio, regarded as one of the most beautiful beaches in the world!!