Transcript
  • 7/31/2019 Top Ten Things to Savor in Macau

    1/12

  • 7/31/2019 Top Ten Things to Savor in Macau

    2/12

    2012 Brilliance Press. All rights reserved.

    -1-

    Here is a top ten list of things to enjoy inMacau, a Special Administrative Region of the

    Peoples Republic of Chinaand formerPortuguese colony. This list is based on my visit

    to Macau in April 2012. The activities and destinations listed should give you a taste of

    what one of Asias most fascinating places has to offer.

    1. Ruins of St. Paul Cathedralin the

    Historic Centre of Macao(the Portuguese spellingof Macau), a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

    TheHistoric Centre of MacaoonMacau Peninsulawith its mix of Portuguese and

    Chinese influences was designated aWorld Heritage SitebyUNESCOin 2005. The

    Centre stretches over several square kilometers in two zones: one between Barra Hill to

    the west and Mount Hill in the center, and the other to the east encompassing theGuia

    Fortress,Guia Chapel, and Guia Lighthouse. The first zone boasts 20 monuments of

    special significance to the blending of eastern and western influences that harken back to

    Macaus days as a Portuguese colony.Click herefor more information about the Centre.

    TheRuins of St. Paul'sCathedral and College is arguably the citys most famous

    landmark and a must-see attraction. Completed in 1602 by theJesuits, it was one of thelargest Catholic complexes in Asia but fell into decline afterPope Clement XIVdissolved

    the Jesuits Order, the Society of Jesus, in 1773, and the Jesuits departed. It was destroyed

    by a fire during a typhoon in 1835. The cathedrals faade crowning a long flight of stone

    steps is the only visible remnant of the church. Its baroque features are reminiscent of the

    Jesuit Reductionsin South America that were built at about the same time. Behind the

    faade of St. Pauls is theMuseum of Sacred Art and Cryptwith relics and artifacts from

    the former Jesuit complex.

    http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Macauhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Macauhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Macauhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Macauhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Macauhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Portuguese_Empirehttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Portuguese_Empirehttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Portuguese_Empirehttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Historic_Centre_of_Macauhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Historic_Centre_of_Macauhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Historic_Centre_of_Macauhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Historic_Centre_of_Macauhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Historic_Centre_of_Macauhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Historic_Centre_of_Macauhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Macau_Peninsulahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Macau_Peninsulahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Macau_Peninsulahttp://whc.unesco.org/en/list/1110http://whc.unesco.org/en/list/1110http://whc.unesco.org/en/list/1110http://www.unesco.org/new/en/http://www.unesco.org/new/en/http://www.unesco.org/new/en/http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Guia_Fortresshttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Guia_Fortresshttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Guia_Fortresshttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Guia_Fortresshttp://worldadventurers.wordpress.com/2012/05/24/the-historic-center-of-macau/http://worldadventurers.wordpress.com/2012/05/24/the-historic-center-of-macau/http://worldadventurers.wordpress.com/2012/05/24/the-historic-center-of-macau/http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ruins_of_St._Paul'shttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ruins_of_St._Paul'shttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ruins_of_St._Paul'shttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jesuitshttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jesuitshttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jesuitshttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pope_Clement_XIVhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pope_Clement_XIVhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pope_Clement_XIVhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jesuit_Reductionshttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jesuit_Reductionshttp://www.olamacauguide.com/sacred-art-and-crypt-museum.htmlhttp://www.olamacauguide.com/sacred-art-and-crypt-museum.htmlhttp://www.olamacauguide.com/sacred-art-and-crypt-museum.htmlhttp://www.olamacauguide.com/sacred-art-and-crypt-museum.htmlhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jesuit_Reductionshttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pope_Clement_XIVhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jesuitshttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ruins_of_St._Paul'shttp://worldadventurers.wordpress.com/2012/05/24/the-historic-center-of-macau/http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Guia_Fortresshttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Guia_Fortresshttp://www.unesco.org/new/en/http://whc.unesco.org/en/list/1110http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Macau_Peninsulahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Historic_Centre_of_Macauhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Historic_Centre_of_Macauhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Portuguese_Empirehttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Macauhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Macau
  • 7/31/2019 Top Ten Things to Savor in Macau

    3/12

  • 7/31/2019 Top Ten Things to Savor in Macau

    4/12

    2012 Brilliance Press. All rights reserved.

    -3-

    The shopping district in theHistoric Centre of Macao andSt. Dominic's Church:

    3. Mount Fortress and the Macau Museum

    Also located in theHistoric Centre of Macao, theMount Fortress(Fortaleza do Monte in

    Portuguese) is a hilltop fortress built in 1626 by the Jesuits to defend themselves from

    attack. The colonial government seized it after the Jesuits left Macau in the 1770s. It

    served for many years as the residence of the governors of Macau and a military fort.

    http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/St._Dominic's_Church_(Macau)http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/St._Dominic's_Church_(Macau)http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/St._Dominic's_Church_(Macau)http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fortaleza_do_Montehttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fortaleza_do_Montehttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fortaleza_do_Montehttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fortaleza_do_Montehttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/St._Dominic's_Church_(Macau)
  • 7/31/2019 Top Ten Things to Savor in Macau

    5/12

    2012 Brilliance Press. All rights reserved.

    -4-

    Mount Fortress is a short escalator ride from the Ruins of St. Pauls and has a nice vista

    overlooking the city worth the trip. You can almost hear echoes of the citys colonial past

    near the cannons on the ramparts. The beautiful garden offers panoramic views of the oldcity.Click herefor more views of the citys skyline.

    If you enjoy old military forts and have time, visitGuia Fortressa few kilometers to the

    east.

    TheMuseum of Macausits on

    top of the mount.

    http://worldadventurers.wordpress.com/2012/05/31/a-skyline-view-of-macau-video/http://worldadventurers.wordpress.com/2012/05/31/a-skyline-view-of-macau-video/http://worldadventurers.wordpress.com/2012/05/31/a-skyline-view-of-macau-video/http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Guia_Fortresshttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Guia_Fortresshttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Guia_Fortresshttp://www.macaumuseum.gov.mo/w3ENG/default.aspxhttp://www.macaumuseum.gov.mo/w3ENG/default.aspxhttp://www.macaumuseum.gov.mo/w3ENG/default.aspxhttp://www.macaumuseum.gov.mo/w3ENG/default.aspxhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Guia_Fortresshttp://worldadventurers.wordpress.com/2012/05/31/a-skyline-view-of-macau-video/
  • 7/31/2019 Top Ten Things to Savor in Macau

    6/12

    2012 Brilliance Press. All rights reserved.

    -5-

    4. A-Ma Temple

    TheA-Ma Temple, a Taoist temple built in 1488, is the oldest and most famous in

    Macau. Its located at the base of Barra Hill at the western end of theHistoric Centre of

    Macao. Time and weather did not permit us to visit the temple on our trip, but severalsources have indicated that it is one ofMacaus main attractions and worth a visit.

    5. Visit the casinos, gamble and shop

    As the only place in the Peoples Republic of China where gambling is permitted, Macao

    is a popular destination for Chinese who enjoy gambling. As of 2012,gambling revenue

    in Macauwas five times that of Las Vegas, although you wouldnt know at first glance.

    Unlike the crowded Las Vegas Strip, Macaus casinos are scattered across the city. The

    newer casinos are located on theCotai Stripin Cotai, a district betweenTaipaand

    Coloaneislands built on reclaimed land. TheGalaxy,City of Dreams, andVenetianare

    on the Cotai Strip. Others, including theGrand Lisboaand theSands, are located near theHistoric Centre of Macao. These casinos and hotels are filled with restaurants, shops, and

    entertainment venues that appeal to gamblers and tourists alike. We stayed at the Galaxy

    and were impressed by the amenities and beautiful peacock motif.

    http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/A-Ma_Templehttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/A-Ma_Templehttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/A-Ma_Templehttp://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052702303816504577318953652947714.htmlhttp://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052702303816504577318953652947714.htmlhttp://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052702303816504577318953652947714.htmlhttp://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052702303816504577318953652947714.htmlhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cotai_Striphttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cotai_Striphttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cotai_Striphttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Taipahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Taipahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Taipahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Coloanehttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Coloanehttp://www.galaxymacau.com/http://www.galaxymacau.com/http://www.galaxymacau.com/http://www.cityofdreamsmacau.com/http://www.cityofdreamsmacau.com/http://www.cityofdreamsmacau.com/http://www.venetianmacao.com/http://www.venetianmacao.com/http://www.venetianmacao.com/http://www.grandlisboa.com/en/home/index.htmlhttp://www.grandlisboa.com/en/home/index.htmlhttp://www.grandlisboa.com/en/home/index.htmlhttp://www.sandsmacao.com/http://www.sandsmacao.com/http://www.sandsmacao.com/http://www.sandsmacao.com/http://www.grandlisboa.com/en/home/index.htmlhttp://www.venetianmacao.com/http://www.cityofdreamsmacau.com/http://www.galaxymacau.com/http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Coloanehttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Taipahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cotai_Striphttp://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052702303816504577318953652947714.htmlhttp://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052702303816504577318953652947714.htmlhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/A-Ma_Temple
  • 7/31/2019 Top Ten Things to Savor in Macau

    7/12

    2012 Brilliance Press. All rights reserved.

    -6-

  • 7/31/2019 Top Ten Things to Savor in Macau

    8/12

    2012 Brilliance Press. All rights reserved.

    -7-

    6. Dine on Macanese and Portuguese cuisine

    Macau offers a delicious fusion of Chinese and Portuguese cooking. The two have

    blended into a local style known asMacanese cuisinewith an emphasis on baked goods

    and grilled and roasted meats. Some popular Macanese dishes are Portuguese or African

    chicken, codfish (bacalhau), gray chicken or rabbit (pato de cabidela), spicy chili

    shrimps, minced beef or pork (minchi), stir-fried curry crab, steamed pork buns, and egg

    tarts. Macau has many fine Macanese, Portuguese, and Chinese restaurants. Dine at one

    recommended by a local or the concierge at your hotel. We dined atAntonio(259 rua dos

    Negociantes Taipa), a Michelin 3-star Portuguese restaurant owned by renowned chef

    Antonio Coelho widely known as one of the best purveyors of Portuguese cuisine in

    Macau. The meal was delicious, and the ambiance was wonderful.

    Other recommended restaurants in Macau areFernandos on Coloane island (9 Praiade

    Hac), seafood restaurant O Manel (10 rua de Femao Mendes Pinto), and Macanese

    restaurant O Porto Interior(259 rua do Almirante Sergio).

    http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Macanese_cuisinehttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Macanese_cuisinehttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Macanese_cuisinehttp://antoniomacau.com/http://antoniomacau.com/http://antoniomacau.com/http://antoniomacau.com/http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Macanese_cuisine
  • 7/31/2019 Top Ten Things to Savor in Macau

    9/12

    2012 Brilliance Press. All rights reserved.

    -8-

    7. Macau Tower:

    The 338 meter (1,109 foot) tallMacau Toweroffers some

    of the best views of Macau. Thrill seekers can walk on

    Skywalk X, the outer rim of the tower with only a tether

    and no handrail. Orbungee jumpoff the tower, the second

    highest in the world after the Vegas' Stratosphere skyjump.

    We didnt visit the tower because of bad weather, but I took

    a photo of it.

    8. Taipa Village:

    Taipa Village is an old settlement onTaipa Islandnear the

    Cotai Strip. Its worth a visit if youre staying on Taipa or Coloane islands. Get away for

    a meal at one of the Portuguese or Macanese restaurants. Walk along Rua do Cunha or

    one of the cobblestone side streets to buy pastries or souvenirs and visit the Taipa HouseMuseum and Church of Our Lady of Carmel. With all the modern casinos rising up

    around it, this colonial-era town feels like a place frozen in time.

    http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Macau_Towerhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Macau_Towerhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Macau_Towerhttp://www.macau.com/en/shows_and_events/345/macau-tower-skywalk-xhttp://www.macau.com/en/shows_and_events/345/macau-tower-skywalk-xhttp://macau.ajhackett.com/http://macau.ajhackett.com/http://macau.ajhackett.com/http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Taipahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Taipahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Taipahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Taipahttp://macau.ajhackett.com/http://www.macau.com/en/shows_and_events/345/macau-tower-skywalk-xhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Macau_Tower
  • 7/31/2019 Top Ten Things to Savor in Macau

    10/12

    2012 Brilliance Press. All rights reserved.

    -9-

    Here are a couple of odd sights we encountered in Taipa Villagealley cats feasting on ameal outside a restaurant (we didnt eat there) and driedcaterpillar fungus(Cordyceps

    sinensis)for Chinese herbal tea.

    9. Macau Science Center, Cultural Center of Macau, and Macau Museum of Art:

    TheMacau Science Centreis a contemporary waterfront structure designed by famous

    architectIM Peithat opened in 2009. TheCultural Center of Macauand Museum of Art

    are co-located in the same building across the street from the science center. The three

    offer a variety of exhibits and performances that make for a nice alternative to the casinos

    and historic parts of town. They are also visually attractive and offer a nice photo op.

    10. The House of Dancing Water Show:

    The House of Dancing Water, a Vegas-style stage production at theCity of Dreams, is a

    wonderfully choreographed experience in an intimate aqua theater-in-the-round. The

    uniquely Asian take on the aquatic theater concept combines theater, dance, gymnastic

    artistry, high-performance diving, and state-of-the-art displays of water imagery.Click

    hereto read my previous post about the show with more photos from the show.

    http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cordycepshttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cordycepshttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cordycepshttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cordyceps_sinensishttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cordyceps_sinensishttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cordyceps_sinensishttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cordyceps_sinensishttp://www.msc.org.mo/en/index.phphttp://www.msc.org.mo/en/index.phphttp://www.msc.org.mo/en/index.phphttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/I._M._Peihttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/I._M._Peihttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/I._M._Peihttp://www.ccm.gov.mo/http://www.ccm.gov.mo/http://www.ccm.gov.mo/http://worldadventurers.wordpress.com/2012/05/21/the-house-of-dancing-water-show-in-macau/http://worldadventurers.wordpress.com/2012/05/21/the-house-of-dancing-water-show-in-macau/http://www.cityofdreamsmacau.com/http://www.cityofdreamsmacau.com/http://www.cityofdreamsmacau.com/http://worldadventurers.wordpress.com/2012/05/21/the-house-of-dancing-water-show-in-macau/http://worldadventurers.wordpress.com/2012/05/21/the-house-of-dancing-water-show-in-macau/http://worldadventurers.wordpress.com/2012/05/21/the-house-of-dancing-water-show-in-macau/http://worldadventurers.wordpress.com/2012/05/21/the-house-of-dancing-water-show-in-macau/http://worldadventurers.wordpress.com/2012/05/21/the-house-of-dancing-water-show-in-macau/http://worldadventurers.wordpress.com/2012/05/21/the-house-of-dancing-water-show-in-macau/http://www.cityofdreamsmacau.com/http://worldadventurers.wordpress.com/2012/05/21/the-house-of-dancing-water-show-in-macau/http://www.ccm.gov.mo/http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/I._M._Peihttp://www.msc.org.mo/en/index.phphttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cordyceps_sinensishttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cordyceps_sinensishttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cordyceps
  • 7/31/2019 Top Ten Things to Savor in Macau

    11/12

    2012 Brilliance Press. All rights reserved.

    -10-

    We simply enjoyed walking around the streets of Macau to see the city. Here are somephotos from the city center:

  • 7/31/2019 Top Ten Things to Savor in Macau

    12/12

    2012 Brilliance Press. All rights reserved.

    -11-

    There are many more things to savor in Macau. Its impossible to see it all without

    visiting at least a few days. From theMacau Grand Prixheld each November to taking

    the one hourHong Kong-Macau Ferry, a visit to Macau is filled with eclectic diversionsthat make it a fun destination in Asia. Hopefully your trip will be filled with sunshine.

    M.G. Edwards is a writer of books and stories in the mystery, thriller and

    science fiction-fantasy genres. He also writes travel adventures. He is

    author ofKilimanjaro: One Mans Quest to Go Over the Hill, a non-

    fiction account of his attempt to summit Mount Kilimanjaro, Africas

    highest mountain. His short story collectionReal Dreams: Thirty Years of

    Short Storiesin available as an e-book and in print onAmazon.com. He

    lives in Bangkok, Thailand with his wife Jing and son Alex.

    For more books or stories by M.G. Edwards, visit his web site atwww.mgedwards.com

    or his blog,World Adventurers. Contact him [email protected], onFacebook, on

    Google+, or@m_g_edwardson Twitter.

    2012 Brilliance Press. All rights reserved. No part of this work may be reproduced or

    transmitted without the written consent of the author.

    http://www.macau.grandprix.gov.mo/app/home/mgpc/enhttp://www.macau.grandprix.gov.mo/app/home/mgpc/enhttp://www.macau.grandprix.gov.mo/app/home/mgpc/enhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hong_Kong_%E2%80%93_Macau_Ferry_Terminal,_Hong_Konghttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hong_Kong_%E2%80%93_Macau_Ferry_Terminal,_Hong_Konghttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hong_Kong_%E2%80%93_Macau_Ferry_Terminal,_Hong_Konghttp://www.mgedwards.com/kili.htmhttp://www.mgedwards.com/kili.htmhttp://www.mgedwards.com/kili.htmhttp://www.mgedwards.com/dreams.htmhttp://www.mgedwards.com/dreams.htmhttp://www.mgedwards.com/dreams.htmhttp://www.mgedwards.com/dreams.htmhttp://www.amazon.com/Real-Dreams-Thirty-Stories-ebook/dp/B0067XTXK2/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1326003546&sr=8-2http://www.amazon.com/Real-Dreams-Thirty-Stories-ebook/dp/B0067XTXK2/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1326003546&sr=8-2http://www.amazon.com/Real-Dreams-Thirty-Stories-ebook/dp/B0067XTXK2/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1326003546&sr=8-2http://www.mgedwards.com/http://www.mgedwards.com/http://www.mgedwards.com/http://worldadventurers.wordpress.com/http://worldadventurers.wordpress.com/http://worldadventurers.wordpress.com/mailto:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/M-G-Edwards/105636649470587https://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/M-G-Edwards/105636649470587https://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/M-G-Edwards/105636649470587https://plus.google.com/#101223196505190321355/postshttps://plus.google.com/#101223196505190321355/postshttp://twitter.com/m_g_edwardshttp://twitter.com/m_g_edwardshttp://twitter.com/m_g_edwardshttp://twitter.com/m_g_edwardshttps://plus.google.com/#101223196505190321355/postshttps://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/M-G-Edwards/105636649470587mailto:[email protected]://worldadventurers.wordpress.com/http://www.mgedwards.com/http://www.amazon.com/Real-Dreams-Thirty-Stories-ebook/dp/B0067XTXK2/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1326003546&sr=8-2http://www.mgedwards.com/dreams.htmhttp://www.mgedwards.com/dreams.htmhttp://www.mgedwards.com/kili.htmhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hong_Kong_%E2%80%93_Macau_Ferry_Terminal,_Hong_Konghttp://www.macau.grandprix.gov.mo/app/home/mgpc/en