Don't come here if you want to stay slim!

The food is absolutely magnificent, a high quality mix of Malay, Thai and Chinese cuisine and the opportunity to eat western food if you want. But why do that, when you can eat fresh water prawns (dungala in Malay ) similar to Langoustines but the size of small lobsters, in a range of wonderful sauces?

One of the things I will take back with me is the extra few pounds in weight I have gained as a consequence of my lack of willpower. The officers are incredibly hospitable and this reflects the overall culture in Brunei.  Where we might go to the pub for a social drink or two, they will meet and karaoke and eat until the small hours. Of course some of us are more vocal than others, and Tod's rendition of Chicago and his lead in the line dancing went down a storm!!

It gets dark here at 6ish and there are no clubs, bars or other venues to imbibe your favourite tipple and as a consequence very little crime; some 3000 reported crimes a year and car theft regarded as solved when the car is recovered.  Petrol is about 20p a litre, food is cheap, jobs appear plentiful and medical care is a standard 40p per visit.  Education for all, to a high standard, has left this beautiful country, peaceful , prosperous and with little or no poverty. The highlight for me was a trip into the deep jungle and sunset and sunrise 250 feet up in the jungle canopy.

Ah well the joys of Camden and commuting beckon!!!

Superintendent Colum Price

The course was covered by the Brunei Times, click here to read their article.