A day of firsts

Well what a day. We had to go shopping and I had to drive. I was slightly nervous a) because I've never driven an automatic before b) I have never driven in Brunei and c) the driving skills of the locals is somewhat unpredictable. It was the latter that made me the most nervous. It actually wasn't that bad. Of course I didn't stick to the speed limit. Once I my confidence had grown I fell into my speeding ways. It was a bit strange not having to change gear and I went for the gear stick a few times. Apart from that I think I did ok.

A bit later in the day I went to Bukit Shahbandar recreational park with one of Vickis friends. When I was told that we were doing the short route I thought it would be fine. I nearly died. Bukit means hill and we did four. They are so steep they are practically vertical and uphill is just a never ending trail of steps. It is basically many trails through the jungle and it really felt like it at points. It was raining so where it was just dirt track it was really slippery. Trying to walk down tree root ridden mud at a steep angle is not easy. Although I must say a little easier than getting up the hills. The views from the top were amazing despite it being dull from the rain. I would have taken pictures but I didn't really want my camera getting soaked. Getting to the bottom of the fourth hill was a real jungle experience. Clambering down the steep parts of the track holding on to trees and strategically placed ropes. The sounds from the creatures lurking in the trees is just fantastic. Although the only things I saw were a butterfly and a some fish in the stream. Who knows what was hiding in there. I did feel a bit guilty because I was quite slow but to be fair I am not used to the heat, I only got here yesterday so am probably still a bit jet lagged and I have never walked anything as extreme as that in my life. The important thing is that even though I thought I was never going to get out of there alive I did it. Tomorrow I expect my legs will put up some sort of protest and I will feel it. I would like to go back when the weather is better because the views are fantastic but the only problem would be the heat. Today wasn't too bad because it was cooler due to the rain. Although it does mean putting myself thought hell again. There is really no way I can begin to describe Bukit, it is definitely something you have to experience to appreciate.

In the evening Vicki cooked a meal and some of her friends came over. It was a very enjoyable evening. I think the earlier activities started to take their tole though because I am now very tired. So despite it only being 9:30pm I am off to bed. Hopefully I will wake up with fully functional legs.