A Hidden Gem

Once upon a time, an acquaintance of mine told me about the Royal Brunei jet and I absolutely had no idea what Brunei even meant. So, I started asking my parents, and I was astonished by the stories of the lavish and luxurious lives that Hassanal Bolkiah (ruler of Brunei) and his family lead. I grew up forgetting about Brunei but I never lost my interest in it whenever it was brought up, until I got the chance to actually visit the Abode of Peace, دار السلام , in 2011. As much as many think Brunei is just another unimportant state, it seemed to me as if this young state (since 1984) is the happiest country on earth. I have found serenity in its segments & inner peace in its mosques. And honestly, what grabbed my attention the most were the mosques (not to mention the Sultan's enormous mansion). Also, most of the houses were 2-storey villas arranged perfectly like a toy house. Hence, this indicates the wealth of the country. Brunei's population does not exceed 500k while its GDP per capita equals $38k.

I'll leave you with pictures..