Macau 2012

Whilst the slow news days continue, I also spent a week in Macau during my Hong Kong trip. It had been a dream of mine for many years to go to Macau as I nearly won a trip years ago. I played a series of Poker tournaments in 2008 that had the first prize as a trip to Macau, all expenses paid, and entry into a major tournament. After 3 or so final tables, I attended the last tournament offered with a friend. We made the last 2 and did a deal where I ended up winning $6000 and I gave up my chance to my mate. Whilst it was an excellent decision financially, there was a part of me that wanted to make it to Macau, and I can now say that I have done it.

I had read before going that there were 36 casinos there, and whilst I was salivating at the thought, I didn't want to spend my whole holidays at casinos. This post will focus on some of Macau's other attractions. Firstly, whilst Hong Kong was under extended rule by the British, Macau was under extended rule by the Portugese - this meant that all the street signs were in Portugese and most people only knew about three and a half words of english. Macau is tiny, and if you were not into gambling, you could do it in 2 days but I tried to spend my days walking and exploring and my nights a the tables.

Before the Portugese handed Macau back to China, they did their best to empty their bank accounts and built several new buildings and memorials. The one below caught my eye. I was talking to a local about it - it is the Lady Buddha. It was designed by a Portugese sculpture, and as they are primarily Christian, the Lady Buddha looks like Mary. Most Buddhists are offended by the resemblance to Mary and as a result, few people pray here. Its a classic example of what happens when you do not understand others culture.

Lady Buddha

Below are some more elevated shots I took during my walking travels. The architecture of many buildings have a European feel to them. I also walked to the local central meeting point and strip shops (San Ma Lo). Visited a very old church there (which I wish I had taken some pictures of!)

View from my Hotel room - Hotel Royal.

View from highest mountain

Sky Tower - tallest building in Macau

In one of my walks, I went north and soon was lost. I remember walking through a cemetery.  There were both Christian and Buddhist graves side by side, and Portugese and Asian names. I kept pushing north and before too long, found myself at the China border. I was tempted to cross over to the other side but did not want to risk not having the right visa for reentry or to be stuck in China without my room or luggage, and thought better of it.

Gates of China from Macau

Macau is in 2 parts, the main part is attached to China,then there is a southern part called Cotai (it may be an Island). Much if not all of it is reclaimed land and the parts I saw were very modern. One of the last things the Portugese built was a friendship bridge. It was not a clear day when I travelled on it, but you can see in the distance the parallel bridge that is being built to hook up Hong Kong, China and Macau. Whilst this would be very convenient, I could imagine a fair few Ferry operators  being concerned about their business declining once this bridge is finished.

Under construction - bridge from Hong Kong to Macau and China

The food here was fantastic - inexpensive, high quality. I had a buffet breakfast at my hotel every morning and that was also great. I'd really love to come back here someday, but time will tell.