FOTW Brunei

In case you wonder where in the world is this country located, check Borneo island in Southeast Asia. 

I don't know how Eric managed to send me this card but it was a wonderful surprise.

© concept by Postcardsmarket.com

Brunei has an area of 5.765 km², a population of 417.200 and its capital is Bandar Seri Begawan.

Unique: 

* Healthcare - citizens are charged B$1 per consultation and free for kids under 12 years;  

* 1 car per 2.09 persons - Brunei has one of the highest car ownership rates in the world;

* 24K gold coated car - the Sultan has a unique Rolls-Royce: 

Famous:  

* Blessed Harbor - is the meaning of Bandar Seri Begawan, the capital of Brunei;

* Omar Ali Saifuddin Mosque - is considered the major landmark of the country. The main dome is covered in pure gold. The mosque stands 52 meters high and can be seen from virtually anywhere in Bandar Seri Begawan;

History:

* Muhammad Shah - established the Sultanate of Brunei in 1368 and was its first sultan;

* Independence - 1 january 1984 from the UK;

* Name origin - Brunei Darussalam means "abode of peace".

Aletta's cards

Aletta and i agreed on a trade and she said he would sent a filled envelope. I was expecting something great but never imagine to received 7 wonderful cards. I know, there are only 3 here but will post the other 4 in another post.

Malacca is located in the southern region of the Malay Peninsula, on the Straits of Malacca. This historical city centre has been listed as a prominent World Heritage Site of UNESCO since 7 July 2008.

The Dutch ruled Malacca from 1641 to 1795 and built their landmark better known as the Stadthuys or Red Building. A good exemple of those red buildings in the Christ Church in the Dutch Square. Constructed in 1753, the Christ Church's structure reflects original Dutch architecture. The building houses hand-crafted church benches, jointless ceiling skylights, a copper replica of the Bible, a headstone written in the Armenian language, and a replica of "The Last Supper".

"The Water Village (Kampong Ayer) is an area of Brunei's capital city Bandar Seri Begawan that is situated in the middle of the Brunei River. 39,000 people live in the Water Village. This represents roughly 10% of the nation's total population. All of the Water Village buildings are constructed on stilts above the Brunei River.
The Water Village is really made up of small villages linked together by more than 29,140 meters of foot-bridges, consisting of over 4200 structures including homes, mosques, restaurants, shops, a school, and a hospital. 36 kilometers of boardwalks connect the buildings. Private water taxis provide rapid transit. Most of these taxis resemble long wooden speed boats. From a distance the water village looks like a slum. It actually enjoys modern amenities including air conditioning, satellite television, Internet access, plumbing, and electricity. Some of the residents keep potted plants and chickens. The district has a unique architectural heritage of wooden homes with ornate interiors." - in: wikipedia

"Siem Reap City is the capital of Siem Reap Province, Cambodia.
Siem Reap has colonial and Chinese-style architecture in the Old French Quarter, and around the Old Market. In town, there are Apsara dance performances, craft shops, silk farms, rice-paddy countryside, fishing villages and a bird sanctuary near the Tonle Sap Lake. It is perhaps best known for its proximity to Angkor Wat." - in: wikipedia

Brunei Darussalam

A new country today :) Brunei!! Thanks Dewi for the great cards and all the informations.

"Brunei Darussalam is a country located on the north coast of the island of Borneo, in Southeast Asia. Apart from its coastline with the South China Sea it is completely surrounded by the state of Sarawak, Malaysia, and in fact it is separated into two parts by Limbang, which is part of Sarawak.
Brunei, the remnant of a very powerful sultanate, regained its independence from the United Kingdom on 1 January 1984." - in: wikipedia.

This is the Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque, built in 1958 by the 28th Sultan of Burnei. In it's construction it has been used italian marble, gold mosaic and english stained glass with design that reflects classical Islamic architecture.

The mosque was built inside a man-made lagoon surrounded by water villages.

The scene of a bustling Bandar Seri Begawan capital city day converts into a peaceful city of lights by night. The mosque on the left corner is called Jamé Asr Mosque built to commemorate Sultan's 25th anniversary accession to the throne.

The Royal Regalia Building in Bandar Seri Begawan. It was built also to commemorate the 1991 Silver Jubilee of his Majesty's accession to the throne. Inside there's a collection of Brunei unique collection of royal artefacts such as the crown and a royal chariot.