Bandar Seri Begawan - Miss Quentin Bryce, the Governor-General of Australia and her husband Mr Michael Bryce went on a guided tour of Kampong Ayer yesterday.

Ms Bryce was brought on a river cruise along the Brunei River, which was followed by visits to the Kampong Ayer Cultural and Tourism Gallery and the residence of the Penghulu in Kampong Tamoi.

Her visit began at the BSB Waterfront in the heart of the capital, where she was greeted by the Minister of Industry and Primary Resources, Pehin Orang Kaya Seri Utama Dato Seri Setia Awg Hj Yahya bin Begawan Mudim Dato Paduka Hj Bakar and his wife, Datin Dyg Hjh Norlina binti Dato Hj Abu Bakar; as well as the by Acting Minister of Home Affairs, Pehin Datu Lailaraja Major General (Rtd) Dato Paduka Seri Hj Awg Halbi bin Hj Mohd Yussof and his wife, Datin Hjh Kalshom binti Hj Suhaili.

The Governor-General of Australia was also accompanied by the Minister of Communications, Pehin Orang Kaya Hamzah Pahlawan Dato Seri Setia Awg Hj Abdullah bin Begawan Mudim Dato Paduka Hj Bakar and his spouse.

Upon arriving at the BSB Waterfront, Ms Bryce was brought to a special pontoon boat which took the entourage to the Kampong Ayer Cultural and Tourism Gallery.

The Governor-General was greeted with the beat of 'Hadrah' as a sign of welcome and respect for the special guest, as well as a display of men and women wearing Brunei traditional clothing. Ms Bryce was also given a golden 'Bunga Telur' (flower decoration).

At the Kampong Ayer Gallery, Ms Bryce viewed the entire displays in the gallery hall and was briefed on the changes of Brunei from the 10th Century until the present day, as well as the recent economic and social developments.

She also had the chance to witness the traditional making of the famous Bruneian trademark, 'Kain Tenunan'.

After looking at the displays in the gallery hall, Ms Bryce signed a visitor's book and then received a souvenir from the gallery presented by Pehin Dato Seri Seta Awg Hj Yahya.

She then visited the residence of the Penghulu of Mukim Tamoi.

Also present during the tour were the Australian High Commissioner to Brunei Darussalam, Mr Todd Mercer and his spouse Mrs Orieta Ossio; and other members of the Australian delegation; as well as permanent secretaries and senior government officials.

--Courtesy of Borneo Bulletin