Brunei- Chapter 10: Cocktail at the Residence of the Ambassador of France

"Are you going Friday night?"
"You're coming Friday night, right? It'll be great. You'll meet loads of new people."

Though we were going, it seemed impossible or unimaginable that anyone should miss the invitation from the French Ambassador. And where else in the world but in Brunei would we ever be invited at the Residence of the French Ambassador for a reception? Exactly! All 180 something French souls were invited as is the tradition. So there we were, "meeting new people" by the gallon, enjoying the food and drinks as well as the magnificent view that this residence affords. Built high up on a hill against the jungle, it overlooks the estuary and a water village on the other side of the bank. Absolutely gorgeous. Not to mention the patio, the terraced-garden leading to the swimming-pool that was very inviting indeed.

The French Ambassador in Brunei has the reputation of inviting all his compatriots for cocktail parties where cheese and wine are to be savoured and we weren't disappointed at all. Though there was a change in person last November, the new Ambassador lives up to his predecessor, at least when it comes to parties. Going home, it suddenly occured to me that I lived in another country than my own whilst for a few hours it did feel like being in France. In the land of sultans, princes and princesses, a commoner can be made to feel above his station or perhaps simply be made to feel special.  Not an unpleasant impression at all!

Attention, attention! Reception chez l'ambassadeur a ne pas manquer.
Tout francais au Brunei qui se respecte acceptera l'invitation de l'ambassadeur. Il semblait que c'etait l'evenement du weekend a ne pas manquer. On avait deja entendu parler de ces receptions, des fromages de France, des vins et il est vrai que ca avait l'air tout a fait allechant. Nous n'avons pas ete decus. Les expatries francais au Brunei ne se prennent pas au serieux, aiment se rencontrer, faire la fete et passer un bon moment. L'ambiance etait du coup tres relaxe ce qui nous convenait tout a fait. Et ou d'autre dans le monde serions-nous invites chez l'ambassadeur? Ca n'arrive que dans les contes de fees, vraiment. Pas du tout deplaisant!