Macau

Macau is a slice of Portugal in China. So interesting to see a European colony like this is such a foreign continent. Amazing to see what the Portuguese have done with the place. Like Hong Kong though, it now belongs to China again, but enjoys Special Administrative Region status, so its pretty much business like usual.

Unlike Hong Kong and the rest of China, Macau is a legal gambling zone. This has allowed the colony to flourish (if one can call it that) with numerous big casinos, of which one was the Venetian. And that is where I stayed.

My friend and I from Australia (actually, from New York, on exchange like me) found an awesome deal where for about 120 bucks each, we got transport to Macau from Hong Kong, stayed at a palatial suite at the Venetian, free buffet breakfast, free gondola ride, tours, and other perks. It was so worth it! The Venetian is a carbon copy of the one in Las Vegas, it was very fun. In fact, we didn't even go outside for a full 24 hour, expect to play a round of mini golf.

Despite the pissy weather though, we did venture into Macau town. Same thing going on there. TONS of casinos everywhere, and the big names too like The Wynn, MGM Grand and The Sands. It was pretty neat to see. The old part of the city is just like Europe. LOTS of old churches everywhere, and cobble stoned street. If it wasn't for all the Chinese everywhere, it would be hard to make the distinction. The best way to describe Macau would be Eurotown in China.

A fun place to go for just a little while, you can get caught up in the gambling. I did loose a little bit of money, but it was fun nonetheless.

After a quick trip back to Hong Kong, I finally went back home to Sydney.... And I was looking forward to it!

For more pics, check out:

http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=113054&l=e977e&id=758745079

and

http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=113247&l=f0c9f&id=758745079

A

Apr 21, 2008

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