Brunei by www.born2travel.it

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29.02.2012 Bandar Seri Begawan (BRUNEI)

What a thrill when the ATR42 of the small airline Mas Wings touched the ground: “We are in the small Sultanate of Brunei, this little state set almost like a diamond in the island of Borneo, half Malaysian and half Indonesian!” – I said to myself with excitement! I have always harboured a deep respect as well as interest for these small city-states, these small nations that despite the course of history have managed to maintain their identity and, in a broad sense, their small strength. Brunei, in particular, has always fascinated me. Maybe it's the thousand legends that revolve around its sultan: Hassanal Bolkiah Mu'Izzadin Waddaulah, considered the richest man in the world, one who flaunts his image and wealth everywhere here.

You find him on the wonderful banknotes and coins, on stamps, on giant photos in uniform now as admiral of the navy, now as general of the army or air force or as chief of police. It is said that for his wedding he had a Rolls Royce built entirely in pure gold… Once we reach the centre of the city we immediately immerse ourselves in the local atmosphere: we start from the Central Post Office, to my father's delight; “Royal Regalia Museum”, nice the display of all the gifts received by the sultan during the various official visits of rulers from all over the world; the “Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque”, embellished with Venetian mosaics, Tuscan marbles, English windows and Saudi carpets.

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