Expats Rave Over Hospitality, Food

Bandar Seri Begawan - Foreigners living in Brunei enjoy the festivities during Hari Raya as they too visit friends, enjoy local delicacies and network with colleagues and contacts, they told The Brunei Times yesterday.

Third Secretary of the Australian Embassy, Damien Donavan, during a phone interview yesterday, said embassy officials were out visiting associates the embassy works with regularly.

"The High Commissioner Mark Sawers has a very busy schedule and is trying to visit as many houses as he could," Donavan said.

He added that it is an important part of getting to know Brunei's culture.

"The friendship bonds here are strong and the atmosphere is nice, very jovial," he said, adding that it was a treat to be able to try Bruneian delicacies.

"This year is the High Commission's first Hari Raya in Brunei. Although, he had quite a lot of dealing with Arabic cultures in the past, he is really looking forward to see what Bruneian culture is all about," he said.

"This holiday isn't something new to us as there are more than 900,000 Muslims living in Australia including about 720 students from Brunei," he said.

Jerudong Park Medical Centre's General Manager Tan Seang Teak from Malaysia said he looked forward to visit friends and government officials hosting an open house.

"So far I have already visited six houses," Tan said yesterday over the phone.

"We've been to ministers, deputy ministers, and our board of director's houses. That's the beautiful thing about Raya, there is a chance to build a close cultural friendship as everyone can visit each other without hesitation."

As for the difference between Raya in Brunei and Malaysia, there isn't much but, he said, noting the closeness and bond between families is stronger here unlike in bigger cities like Kuala Lumpur.

He said that people usually return to their hometown leaving the city empty.

Standard Chartered Bank's Chief Executive Officer Danny Quah was also busy visiting friends and associates yesterday.

"Even though there is Hari Raya in Singapore, where I'm from, it's quite different from Brunei. There are a lot more visits here so we get to see our friends, customers and ministers," he said. People don't usually do that in Singapore, he said.

Quah, during a phone conversation, said he was on the way to visit his fourth house of the day and will continue visiting throughout the week.

He said it was nice to see people out of meetings and work, but instead, in a more social context.

"Another thing I really enjoy is all the different foods I get to taste," said Quah, who is celebrating his first Raya here, adding the kuih lapis cake has become a favourite. He also liked trying the different homemade curry dishes.

Philippine Ambassador Alexander Yano, who is also celebrating his Raya in Brunei for the first time, said he really enjoyed the festivities.

It's really warm here as anyone is invited into houses even if they are strangers. All are welcome," he said, adding that the food he had been delightful.

United States Ambassador William Todd said: "Hari Raya in Brunei is a truly amazing experience. I believe Bruneians should be proud of this unique and special tradition. It is a favourite time of year for my family and me, as we are fortunate enough to enjoy the opportunity to catch up with old friends and make new ones."

Rob Fenn, the United Kingdom ambassador is also experiencing Hari Raya for the first time here.

He said that Bruneians are famous for their hospitality and have made him feel welcome since arriving.

"From the first day I have also been hearing people telling me that Raya is even better, so we are looking forward to it immensely," he said.

Germany's Ambassador Dr Thomas Bruns, in Brunei for the second year, said that he really enjoys meeting acquaintances in a more relaxed atmosphere during Raya.

"Every year it's getting better. I am enjoying this year more than last year as we get more familiar with the people," he said.

Thai Ambassador Phithak Phrombubpha, also here for the second time, agreed that the celebrations are more enjoyable as they get more familiar with the locals.

"I have learned so much about the beautiful Muslim and Malay culture as we observe from Brunei's way of celebration. Besides that, I really enjoy meeting people and tasting the wide variety of good food as most are unique," he said. Goh De No

Source: http://www.brudirect.com
Photo: http://student.britannica.com

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