Despite having lived in Brunei for 11 years, with nearly 2 years now in Bandar Seri Begawan, I have never set foot inside what is non-arguably the most stunning landmark in the whole country :

The Mosque of the Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddien in central Bandar Seri Begawan.

So when I had a few American visitors recently, I took the opportunity and brought them for an up close and personal, no steiner binoculars needed, visit to the symbol of Brunei.

Yes – after 11 years of admiring it from afar, I finally set foot inside this stately and elegant mosque.

I was not disappointed.

It was surprisingly small on the inside but how I WISHED they would let us take cameras inside because there were so many things I wanted to photograph – from the huge incense burners to the imposing chandeliers to the decorated ceilings!

I would definitely pay a visit to this mosque again, one of these days.

Along a tree-lined road in Bandar Seri Begawan earlier today, we passed by a man using something akin to redmax blowers to clear the dried leaves that littered the whole ground.

And that sight reminded me just how much greenery we have around us – soothing to the eyes and giving us cooler temperature as compared to the concrete-jungle of Kota Kinabalu which can already be scorching hot by mid-morning, a fact concurred by a few visitors I had recently.

In the two neighbourhoods that I call home here in Brunei, not only are there trees around but as far as the eyes could see, we are even blessed with small forests – with wild lives such as the majestic hornbills which excite us, every time we see any.

It is a pleasure to draw the curtains in the morning and be greeted by trees, to drive around the city with roads shaded by tall trees – knowing that with sustained efforts, Brunei Darussalam will continue to be a kingdom of trees for years to come.

Unlike some people, I lose my appetite when I am busy.

Adrenalin is enough to fuel me and I can run around, putting on many faces and roles for several hours without hunger. Not thirst apparently because I know I finished my glass of wine.

Anyway, that was how I manage to miss out on trying the lovely wedding cake that was a gift by my sister’s friend during her wedding reception recently, that looked very delectable even without some Sharis Berries chocolate strawberries and as declared by the bride later, perfect for a summer wedding.

It was served on my table but I fail to register it in my head that I should try it when it was right under my nose – my loss.

Therefore I promise that I will not miss out a single dish from the dinner course and the wedding cake from another upcoming family wedding, no matter how busy I may get and however much I feel like socialising – so help me God.

Despite the fact that I had a live 3-piece-band and a reception room with a scenic view of the outside  - I have to admit that my sister’s own wedding reception was in many ways, so much more interesting.

Sure, there were some minor fumblings; missing guest book, wrong song, shortage of time to change, confusion with table allocations and not to mention the few high-spirited flower girls who refused to just stay still and look pretty. But the event ran smoothly because the staffs handling the lunch reception were first-class, from the liaison executive who patiently accommodated our every wishes, the several floor supervisors who were always within my sight and all the rest of the crew on duty that day.

Then there was the difference with the drinks.

Or rather, mine had none while she had 3 kinds – the frothy, the reds and the home-brewed.

The latter proved the most popular and it was only because being held in a hotel, we had better self-restrained and there were no cases of anyone stumbling out or passing out midway. But then again, there was an emergency room doctor present who can turn any flat surface into exam tables if need to.

Yes, this was definitely a more interesting wedding reception and one week after, we are still reminiscing about it.