Bruneian Patriotism Awes Tourists
By Hadi DP Mahmud

Bandar Seri Begawan - The display of patriotism in the capital yesterday awed foreign tourists who witnessed the colourful parade and meticulously choreographed performances by employees from government offices and private companies at the Taman Haji Sir Muda Omar 'Ali Saifuddien.

Kelly Tse from Holland "happened to be in the neighbourhood" when she and friends decided to make the last stop in Brunei after visiting Sabah and Sarawak.

"We were supposed to leave the day before yesterday but we met an incredibly nice family who invited us to stay over at their house so we can watch the National Day celebrations. I love it, it's got a good atmosphere, a lot of diversity and lots of uniforms," said Kelly.

Kelly's travelling buddy Per Eklund, a 25-year-old Swedish backpacker, said: "I think National Day is celebrated more here than it is backing home in Sweden. That's something you can take pride in."

A pair of Canadian travellers, enjoying the sights and sounds of the National Day parade from the sidewalks commented on the "overwhelming sense of patriotism" for the celebrations.

“Not many tourists know about Brunei," said 28-eightyear-old Travis Taylor from Toronto, Canada.

"It's very different. People are very friendly here they are open to talk, as well as being genuine and nice. This also gives me the impression that people are happy to see me."

Having visited Kampong Ayer and other tourist sites in Brunei, Neil Foster, a 31-year-old Winnipeg native and Travis' travelling partner, said that he always wanted to visit countries within Borneo.

"People here are very charming! This can be the pull factor to lure tourists into the country," he said. "Very few people in Canada know about Brunei. I changed my flight schedule just to be able to make it for the National Day," said the Canadian, who hopes to come back in the future with other friends.

"There is an amazing sense of national pride in Brunei," he added.

Gretchen Roderick, an American tourist, is a second time visitor. "My first visit was in September, and I've already started planning since the first visit because I was excited to come here to experience the National Day celebrations. -- Courtesy of The Brunei Times

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