EmmaGoodEgg

Book 'em Dan-O!

I have a soft spot for Booker International, the little bookstore that supplied my reading habit from when I was a teen. In the early 80s Booker was at Batu Satu, below Arkitek Ibrahim at the building behing Metro. You used to be able to place an order for your favourite magazine, and that nice lady with short tight curls would telephone you as soon as it arrives. She used to call me for Smash Hits, and I fear, Tiger Beat. I used to buy my Sweet Valley High there too. Seriously I was cool. I go less these days because I have a chance to visit the bookstores overseas. But whenever the need arise to buy a book at home, for a birthday or an interest, I would head over to the same building as Thien Thien and Pizza Hut in Gadong, where Booker International currently resides. Because they still have the best choice of books available, although they could think a little bit more out-of-the-box with their choice of books perhaps.

A self-serving wish I know, but I wish that spending time in Booker The Bookstore could be a little bit more how I imagine spending time browsing a swell bookstore to be. A quiet place with large couches you can sink into, or plush carpets you can sit cross-legged on, pleasant staff who, as Bobby puts it, share a love of reading and smiles at you as you happily decide which book or magazine to buy. And please, no "No Casual Reading" signs. These days most would know their limits, wouldn't you say. I fear we may be lacking in a good solid all-rounder bookstore in Brunei. But to be fair, we do have a good specialised Islamic one in Solitude at The Mall, and Best Eastern is good if you're a girlie teen, looking for magazines or love trashy romance novels, Bismi and your reliable indian bookstores for schoolbooks and Malay books, Paul & Elizabeth in Yayasan for a weird mix of reading materials and that filled-to-the-brim chinese comic bookstore at Halimatul Saadiah building in Gadong.

Perhaps business may be hard in a small market with unpredictable censorship, so beggars can't be choosers. And while we're at cliches, people who work in bookstores should be happy. If there isn't a cliche about that somewhere, something should be done about it. The Shopgirl at Booker has worked for the bookstore for a good number of years. You know, I don't think I have ever seen her smile, so it feels like forever sometimes, when I go to the cashier to pay for my books or magazines. I do miss that sunny lady with the short tight curls of my teens. Today I went in and bought a magazine and Shopgirl registered no familiarity, even though me and the store, we go way back.

So what would I say if I had the ear of my favourite bookstore in Brunei? A little warmth to the place would not go amiss, I'd say.

An Open Letter To Double-Oh-Girlfriend

Double-oh-Yummy and Vesper Lynd

Dear Ms Satsuma Satsuki Mitchell,

That is an ugly dress, and don't be a selfish wench.

Sincerely yours,

Double-OH-Biatch

...Good God. I don't know what's come over me. Nevertheless, enjoy and have a good morning everyone.

Love, Emma xx

There's Always Room For One More Aidilfitri Post

From left, Syafiqah, Syafiq and Zul-Fadly, in purple at the in-laws.

Every Hari Raya, like clockwork on the first day at the in-laws, and the first to arrive at ours, Hajah N, her husband and her children Syafiqah, Syafiq and Zul-Fadly come visiting bringing a good deal of cheer. Hajah N and her husband run a school canteen at Bukit Beruang. That's pretty far by Brunei standards, but she still manages to drive into Bandar and earn extra money doing odd-jobs for some folks. Sometimes she has to cart along her children on her runs. Definitely not a woman who is afraid of colour, nor lacking in perseverance and style, Hajah N also dresses her mischievious little ones in matching outfits complete with cute trimmings. Syafiq and Syafiqah are obedient and love cakes, while naughty Zul-Fadly is a favourite with the ladies.

At the Bungalow, this time in red.

Football Fun

As a mom whose beloved son plays football, I have had my fair share of waking up way too early on certain Sundays to stand in the sun and cheer for the team. The 2 big football fundays are usually organised by Panaga School in KB (for 12 years and below) and JIS in Jerudong, so soccer parents troop dutifully wherever their children's year group takes them. It was the JIS Football Fun Day yesterday and I was there. Boiling in the sun perhaps. But there.

I remember the earlier Fun Days I attended with beloved son. When the boys were younger, when it came to their football gear, anything goes. The coach usually pool money from the parents and buys jerseys for the team. The jerseys are usually large and billowy and ill-fitted for scrawny Asian boys (I remember from Years 6-8 the boys were in fake Arsenal jerseys). Ever since Zimmie entered Secondary, I haven't had to give money to the coach because when it comes to uniforms (football or otherwise), the boys, all grown up, takes matters into their own hands.

I noticed for the past two years or so, how football fun days have become a fashion parade of sorts, albeit that of a footie kind. At the JIS Fun Days noticeably, some teams come more dressed to impress than others. Nikes, Adidas, whathaveyous, in the jerseys of their favourite football teams complete with cool nicknames at the back (this year I noticed an entire team with names ending with -ski, e.g. I would be EmmaGoodEggSki) and not forgetting brand new, terribly expensive boots.

Zimmie, Hazim, Greg, Nicky and Nazim are in a 5-a side team for their school. Yesterday morning I walked onto the middle pitch pf the JIS football field where their game was about start and noticed their new white football jerseys, with a dash of yellow, red and green at the sleeves. I noticed too, the team badge that was on their shirts and saw it read 'Team Senegal'. The boys explained that they didn't collect enough money from each other to buy jerseys of a more famous team (or have matching shorts, socks, boots). I watched them look enviously at the better dressed teams as they learn that some kids can afford it, and most kids can't.

So Team Senegal played in the JIS Football Fun Day, but it wasn't a good day for Senegal, for they didn't make it to the final rounds. The boys played as best they could and wore their jerseys with panache, and I was damn glad my boys knew how to make the most of the dollars and cents they have.

Team Senegal In A Huddle

Casino Royale - Emma's Point Of View

Let's be honest here. I was rather ambivalent about Ian Fleming’s James Bond before watching Bond movie No. 21 - Casino Royale, at the Bolkiah Theatre in town yesterday evening. Although, like everyone else, I DO have an opinion about who makes the best Bond. I liked Sean, and perhaps Pierce, but not Timothy, or God forbid, George. But as a movie franchise, its one for the boys don't you think? With the suits, the cars, the gadgets, the girls with laughable (to women) names such as Pussy Galore in Goldfinger and Honey Ryder in Dr. No. But all good things must come to an end boys, Casino Royale with British-born actor Daniel Craig as a blond Bond hunk, muscles a-rippling and a-bleeding (on the inside too!), the new James Bond movie is definitely one for the ladies.

The opening credits of a Bond film is usually uncomfortable for a woman who is watching the movie with her man. The Bond theme music is incomplete without a shrill and booming brass fanfare, and then comes the naked silhouette of ladies dancing in flames/ice/diamonds. But in Casino Royale, Chris Cornell (former lead singer of Soundgarden) does a slick theme, and instead of aforementioned naked girls, the opening credits has sexy silhouettes of Bond himself in various poses of intrigue. Most with a BIG GUN.

In the new Bond, I liked that the Bond girl looks like she could be your best friend. French actress Eva Green was casted well as slightly imperfect clever lass, Vesper Lynd. Unlike say, Denise Richards as Christmas Jones in The World Is Not Enough, with her perfect big teeth, big breasts, big hair, plays a physicist. Yes, of course. Such a boy's fantasy that was. But I have to say that Daniel Craig's James Bond looks best in a tiny swimming trunk than the other Bonds (okay maybe not early Sean Connery). And a nod goes deservedly to the movie's stylist, as Bond is dressed to kill, not too suave, but handsome (and deadly). I also thought it was interesting that the first car we see James driving in the movie was a shiny Ford rental. Of course he also had the gorgeous silver DB5 and DBS.

There were plenty of rough action sequences with James getting hurt all over the place. One scene was particularly ball breaking. Look out for it. Look out also for Richard Branson (boss of Virgin Airways) who has a cameo in the movie. Blink and you'll miss him. Bobby didn't but I did. There was an obvious deviation from Bond's martini banter in a memorable line from the movie - this time he was asked whether he wanted his Martini shaken or stirred, and he answered with a sexy stoic, "Do I look like I give a damn?"

[I wonder if after watching Casino Royale, Pierce Brosnan is thinking now why do they have to make me look so wimpy.]

Well I thought the movie was fresh and current. Daniel Craig, with his pugly nose and strange-looking-yet-handsome face (and it must be said, those pecs) silenced even me. But even though that body can be distracting, Mr. Craig played double-oh-seven with the necessary edginess and raw physique to compete with the likes of modern-day spies like Jason Bourne and Jack Ryan. So yes, I enjoyed Casino Royale. Bobby did too. For the girls, go watch it and count the phwoarghs in your head. For the boys, there's a new Bond in town.

Lazy Saturday Afternoon La Dolce Vita

TomKat's got a star-studded guest list for their wedding. I've read the blogs, and they say it includes Will Smith & Jada Pinkett, the Beckhams, J-Lo and Marc-A, and even sparring partner Brooke Shields. Today in the lakeside town of Bracciano Italy, Katie Holmes and Tom Cruise gets ready for their Scientology wedding. Of course it must be a Scientology wedding. Tom is kooky, yet endearing, because he believes in rule no. 3 of Scientologic (there must be such a word) Principles. Which is, to never going to sleep without repairing any upset inflicted during the day. This is fine if you're matter-of-fact and not say, cultish, about it. Tom and Katie have an eight-month old baby girl named Suri, who is cuter than Shiloh some say. Speaking of Shiloh, Brangelina's on the list too (but apparently not Oprah).

Amongst the stars who flock to Italy, I wonder if A.L.F will make it to their L. Ron Hubbard-inspired nuptials.

Future Kittens?

From left, Farah, Anya, Nora, Nadi & TimTim

Future kittens Anya, Nora, Nadi & TimTim and their friend Farah. Anya is Woo's daughter and she loves big words. She tells her mama during bath time that she is saturated. When we asked her what that means, she says, so articulately, it means wet. When I look at Nora I think whether she will grow up to be a surprising homemaker like her mom who made us Soto for Thursday Lunch. Babs told us a story about Nadi telling her father, "Sorry Bapa I cannot buy you a Porsche today". And little TimTim did a little chicken dance for us. I think I can see their mothers in them.

M.D. Howser Comes Out.

Dougie Howser, M.D. says you can be gay and not be as camp as Christmas.

Thinking back perhaps Dougie did look a bit gay in that tiny white doctor coat he wears in his 80s TV show. If you remember, he was a child doctor, cute as a button with a big head.

But I thought the man who played the good doctor, Neil Patrick Harris, now all grown up, was funny and smoldered a fair bit in one of the great movies of our time, Harold & Kumar Goes To Whitecastle. And then I came across a picture of him walking the dog and buying groceries with his not too shabby looking actor boyfriend David Burtka, and I'm thinking, bloody hell these days you can never tell.

Thank you City Rag for the heads up on Neil.

The Tale Of SiriKitty Ends Here

5 days 4 nights in Chiang Mai on holiday with Diva D, Melee and SiriKitty was long enough to feel guilty about leaving the boys at home. But I am lucky that the husband is supportive of such endeavours, and (unlike my fellow blogger Jewelle) beloved son is old enough to fend for himself for a couple of days. To be honest, with only boys at home, I needed some girlie downtime. After places and tickets were booked, Diva D emailed the holiday packing list: 1) Yoga clothes 2) Chill clothes 3) Pretty, casual clothes 4) Comfy 'nightmarket blitz' footwear 5) Flipflops 6) Evening slippers 7) Bikinis & Pareos 8) Accessories: Sling bag for shopping. Camera/Phone/Laptop charger. Evening purse. Magazines, preferably the mini ones from Europe, or slim gossipy ones like Hello. Books, preferably Chick-Lit. We were sorted like bob. And Chiang Mai, during the Festival of Lights, with its colourful markets and cheap spas, is as good as a girlie getaway can get.

We stayed 3 nights at The Chedi and on our last night we gave B & B Baan Orapin a try. Our days at The Chedi were filled with asanas, breakfasts and lying by the pool. Our nights in Chiang Mai were filled with dinners with extremely spicy Tom Yams on the menu, night markets galore and enjoying the lights and sounds of Loy Krathon with the Thai folks on the streets. Melee, Diva D & SiriKitty even had time for tea at the yoga-inspired pool area of the Mandarin Oriental, and a shopping spree at Vila Cini (a store like Jim Thompson that sells various Thai silk accessories). I may have resisted the female hormones DoBuy at first. But not for long. I think I DO need a gorgeous orange and pink striped silk pouch to put my tissues in. Being on holiday with the girls make you feel like a shopper. Even if you are not one. To wit. See our lovely silk slippers at the top. The girls felt that buying the same slipper, albeit in a different colour (but of course), will embody the spirit of our holiday. It's unbelievable, the justifications a woman can think up when there's silk and feathers involved.

And being that's its a holiday, we took a lot of pictures.

My dear friends Melee and Diva D love a good holiday, are the best shoppers bar none, girlie (but tough, of course), make great travelling companions.

At The Chedi we enjoyed having breakfast at the breakfast nook by the river, and spending lazy hours by the pool.

Diva D, Melee, Suki with SiriKitty on her shoulders, and the yoga crowd, plus husband.

Paul, his mother Celia, and wife Tanya, out on a Tuk Tuk on Saturday night.

We liked the Baan Orapin, a boutique bed & breakfast, and Opas, its shy and helpful manager. The Baan Orapin is a bed and breakfast run by third generation guest house owner Opas and his family. Our room was lovely with a four poster bed and large clean bathrooms.

SiriKitty at the Mandarin Oriental for afternoon drinks. The white plaster sculptures surrounding the pool, set in their various poses were a surprise.

As soon as you arrive in Chiang Mai you come across Chiang Mai Oasis Spa pamphlets with its 500Baht discount vouchers on selected treatments at airport, hotel and restaurant counters. Service includes a free pickup and return in the cute Oasis Spa vans. Reasonable massage, great staff and surroudings, its affordable too, and therefore not to be missed.

Vila Cini on Charoenrath Road for some christmas shopping.

Thank God for VAT.

The End.

Virabhadrasana - Meeting The Warriors of Shiva

Prior to the Yoga Retreat in Chiang Mai with Melee and Diva D, I haven't been on a girlie holiday for 2 years. Sometimes we can be terribly lazy with our friendships. When Diva D floated the idea of going on the retreat, I thought I would end up with a last minute pullout. But thankfully the girls never let me bail. So I painted my toes, got on that plane and joined them on a girlie holiday disguised as a yoga retreat.

Which now begs the question, after four (one with guest yogi Jonas) classes with Vincent the Yogi, am I a yoga convert? Let's just say after one session with Vincent and his caribbean way of teaching yoga, I was warming up to the idea and four sessions later, I'm thinking let's go join Nora at BodyActive. It was pleasant working up a sweat very early in the mornings. Morning classes started at 6.30am and what an achievement it was to roll myself out of bed and go to one. The morning air cold at first, but gets warmer. Then everyone goes to have a huge breakfast that take hours. The crowd was good too, and some of my yoga classmates (with their various posse), stood out more than others.

This woman Belinda is amazing. She hardly speaks a word of English, conversing almost exclusively in Hokkien, has an elderly father in tow who sits quietly reading Chinese comic books by the pool while she does her yoga. Belinda does her asanas with the same admirable passion as she performs her filial duties. She has a belly ring and also wears a silver belly chain during classes. Breathtaking and namaste.

Tanya (on the further side with longer pants), blond and beautiful and toned as hell. Married to Paul who she brought along, she's been a dressage rider, marathon runner, aerobics and fitness instructor with her very own mexican tv show to showcase her skills. She brings her mother-in-law Celia on holiday and cares for her charmingly. We liked her. Now Alice on the other hand, loves her short shorts too much for me to be comfortable sitting behind her in class. I would rather take pictures of her form. She is a scary yoga person though. Executes her poses excellently but sucks in the temperament department. I thought yoga made people chill. Each to his/her own I guess. She was asked to teach the Beginner's class, but only two I think, took her up on it. I think most would rather have Vincent teach them in his gentle ways. We called her Namaste. Biatch. Just kidding because she could scissor kick me into a considerable amount of pain easily.

Azalena's mother is a blond Chinese woman who has her own yoga studio in Puchong (I kid you not) in Malaysia. She sat through one yoga class and took videos during one and was absent out shopping during others. Her daughter is a gem, precocious and cute and was mostly looked after by niece Rachel.

Rachel managing some downtime at the pool when Azalena was asleep while her mother was spa-ing.

It helped, of course, that in between sessions Vincent cleverly organised lunch and dinners at 'hidden gems' of local restaurants and brought us nightmarket trawling. He obviously knows his target market of women who love to yoga, dine and shop. And allowed time to mong, spa, have a foot massage and other touristy activities. The Yogettes and SiriKitty did all except go see the flowers and elephants.

Posing Shivas.

Chiang Mai has its night markets especially during Loy Krathong to trawl.

Having a paw massage at M M Boom, a respectable massage parlour 3 minutes away from The Chedi, that gives foot massages for 2 hours at 200Baht (approximately B$50). Much needed after all that trawling.

We walked down the bohemian streets of Tapae Road and had lunch at Ratana's Kitchen, an eatery frequented by backpackers and was featured in the Lonely Planet's Rough Guide. Diva D had an avocado juice with the essential orchid. The restaurant was a haven of information for backpackers, its walls and bookcases filled with pamphlets for hostels, best surfing beaches, travel books and the like.

We made time to mong and swim. Some of us sunbathed, happily shining in the sunlight in a hot pink thong.

Namaste. To be continued.