GRE

Graduate record Exam

I applied to Fulbright back in march and had an interview and in July I was called up for an interview.  They said I am selected as an alternate candidate. I wasn't disappointed but I wasn't estatic either. Part of being a fulbright alternate candidate is to do a GRE exam to qualify me to get into an American university.

The exam was a 3 hours + occasion. first was the essay. I was given 4 lined pages and 30 minutes to do. Then another essay for another 30 minutes. Then  reading. close passage style and comprehension question. The vocabulary given was difficult for me. I realised reading year 7 and 8 compositions everyday made me useless in vocabulary challenges. I worried I would suffer in the exam but I persevere. Not wanting to give up, I continued to answer and at times made a big guess. Then  lastly is the maths part. 2 maths part to be precise. I am so glad I asked my husband to teach me maths because I am useless at it.

Finally exam finishes. I suddenly felt hungry tahap maxima. I ate like I have never eaten before.

would I do it again? Only if I have to.

Reality: What marriage is all about in Brunei.

What Marriage is all about in Brunei

1. To fill up loneliness
2. To find a best friend
3. To extend your family
4. To get babies
5. To find love and happiness
6. To shut up the annoying aunties that kept on asking when are you getting Married.
7. To finally moving to adult life.
8. To Share your life.
9. To forever gain another brain (your other half, basically for me men and women do not think a like and you need the second point of view)
10. To have someone to look after you when you are sick
11. To forever have an imam.

How much money to save before you get married in Brunei.

The Basic Calculation to a simple wedding

Nikah -usually invites 300 people minimum.
catering 4.50BND X300 people = 1,350


Sanding-usually invites 500-700 people

catering 5.5 per person (this includes rice, meat dishes, vegetable, beverages and fruits)
so if 5.5BNDx 500people invited=2,750 BND.

of catering 6.50X 500people Invited =3,250 BND.

hotels catering 18BNDX 500 people invited =9,000

door gifts ranges 1dollar cups to 3 dollar stuffs.
if 1BNDx 500 people=500BND
if 3 BNDx 500 people=1500 BND.

package for rent could vary from 1500-3000

it should include
baju sanding+ jewellery
pelamin
lapis nikah + kedudukan dian 4 +dian kuning.
baju bebadak +set headgear for berbadak


to be safe roughly it takes you 25,000 to get married.
as you need to fix up your room as well (for some people)

usually invitees will give the bride and groom money (pemberi orang kawin) to use for their wedding occasion. a friend could give the bride/groom 20-30 BND.

so if 500 people can give 'pemberi orang' gifts/money and half of that is 250 people (approximately will give) (as they might be married couple who attened )
250 peopleX 20BND = 5,000BND.

relative could give 50-100BND depends on their generosity.

catering required 50% upfront.