C'EST LA VIE... in blue!: 2015

DAY 18 - May 27, 2015 - Macau

From Hong Kong to Macau Ferry Terminal, I took the TurboJet for about 55 minutes.

Located in the western bank of Pearl River Delta in the southern Guangdong province, Macau is a Special Administrative Region of China since December 20, 1999. In the mid-16th century, the Portuguese arrived and settled in Macau. Therefore, the city's architecture, art, religion, traditions, food and community expresses the integration of Chinese, Portuguese and Western cultures.

Today, the population is approximately 640 700. Ethnic Chinese represents over 90% of Macau residents. The remaining includes Portuguese, Filipino and other nationalities. Chinese [Cantonese] and Portuguese are the main languages. The official currency is the Pataca [MOP], but Hong Kong Dollar is also accepted.

Local Bus Lines

Bus fares vary from 3.20 MOP to 6.40 MOP depending the travelling distance. From Macau Ferry Terminal, I took bus 3 to go to Senado Square.

General Post Office

Senado Square

Paved in black and white tiles, this pedestrian square has been Macau's center for centuries. The neoclassical-style colonial buildings are colored in bright pastels. Today, the Senado Square hosts public events and celebrations.

Ruins of St-Paul's

The original Church of Mater Dei was built between 1602 and 1640. In 1835, it was destroyed by a fire. Only the facade, carvings and bronze statues remain up to today.

Fortaleza Do Monte (大砲臺)

This renovated fort was built by the Jesuits in the early 17th century. In 1622, it was the site of Macau's most legendary battle. A priest's lucky shot hit an invading Dutch ship's power supply. It saved the day. In 1835, a fire destroyed the interior buildings. The outer walls remain with several large cannons and artillery pieces.

Praça de Luís de Camões

One of the oldest parks in Macau.

Then I took bus 18 to get to Border Gate / Portas do Cerco (關閘). Isn't it great to sit besides the bus driver?!

Border Gate / Portas do Cerco (關閘)

Built in 1870, the European style Border Gate witnesses the evolution of Macau. The new underground passenger terminal allows locals to travel to Zhuhai and vice-versa. It is linked to the Border Gate Square by an escalator, an elevator and a stair case. The Border Gate Square is embellished with fountains and green plants. The history of Macau is depicted by the Portuguese Poet, Camoes' poem and the blue tiles at the side walls. Both checkpoints, Border Gate in Macau and Gongbei in Zhuhai, open daily from 6 a.m. to 1 a.m.

Japanese Cuisine for Lunch near Border Gate
[Sorry, I forgot the name of the restaurant.]

Galaxy (澳門銀河)
澳門路氹城「澳門銀河」綜合度假城

Today is the grand opening of Galaxy. I met 2 HK Stars right in front of me: Chilam (Julian Cheung) and Andy Hui. Unfortunately, my friend and I forgot to take a picture of that moment...

The following morning on the newspapers:

There are free shuttle buses between hotels, Border Gate and the Ferry Terminal.

The Venetian Macao (澳門威尼斯人)
Estrada da Baia de Nossa Senhora da Esperanca, Macau

The theme/ concept is the same as in Las Vegas except that it is much bigger in Macau.

[I have a private room for high limits!]

City of Dreams (新濠天地)
Estrada do Istmo, Cotai, Macau

From City of Dreams, there is a free shuttle bus which goes to Macau Tower.

Macau Tower Convention and Entertainment Center
Largo da Torre de Macau, Macau

Opened in 2001, the Macau Tower is designed by the architect, Gordon Moller. It measures 338 meters of height. The observation deck contains 2 levels: the observation lounge and the adventure deck. I had the telescope cards to observe better.

- Observation Lounge:
[Cloudy afternoon]

- Adventure Deck:

I did jump but not the Bumgy Jump. If you are adventurous, there are the AJ Hackett Bumgy Jump, SkyJump, Skywalk and Tower Climb. I would like to try the Skywalk next time.