Still smack-bang in the middle of Asia and only an hour’s high-speed Ferry journey away from Hong Kong, lies this former Portuguese colony. 1999 marked the end of 500 years colonial rule and signaled the start of Macau’s Chinese era.
The Portuguese influence is incredibly strong still. This is evident from street names through to architecture, cuisine and even many of the local Chinese with startlingly Portuguese features. At times it felt as if we were on a continent far removed from Asia but then you turn down a narrow road in Taipa just to walk right into a typical Chinese temple – incense burning and all…
Macau basically consists of three areas: Macau (town area), Taipa and Coloane. Communication still proved to be tricky but we found the Macanese incredibly friendly and willing to help.
The Lotus flower is Macau’s emblem and you’ll see the bloom on bank notes, their flag and in nearly every park and town square we went to. It is the most beautiful flower I have ever laid my eyes on – for the first time I actually comprehend why this flower features so strongly in Indian and oriental mythology and folklore. Macau is dotted with parks where the locals relax; walk barefoot on footpaths strewn with pebbles (ouch!) and practice tai chi. We saw a four-faced Buddha inside a shrine in the middle of a busy road right across the horse racing track. Contradiction in everyday life is the name of the game in Macau. Despite the glorious parks, churches and temples, Macau is also a gambling Mecca and the moment you set foot in town you are bombarded with Las Vegas type billboards and promises of quick riches. Gambling is prohibited in Hong Kong so this is where you will find many Hong Kong residents trying their luck. Yet another attraction is the Macau Grand Prix hosted annually in November. We spent an hour at the “horses” at the Jockey Club – a definite first for me. Riaan was so excited by the cacophony of people shouting, screaming and jumping up and down that he had to place a bet on one of the races. We ended up with bets on a dog race not a horse race – case in point when it comes to communication in Asia… But so much fun!
What the casinos lack for in style when it comes to Architecture, the rest of Macau makes up for at least. The ruins of the church of St. Paul are awe-inspiring in every way. Today the façade is all that remains of this Jesuit church built in the early 17th century. Senado square, dotted with tiny restaurants and shops, had buckets and buckets of typical Portuguese inspired ambiance.
What a fantastic place to visit.
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