Roll The Dice. Review on Macau

Macau was an important trading post since the days of the Silk Road due to its location at the mouth of the Pearl River Delta. The Portuguese first arrived in China in 1513 and were given permission to settle permanently on the Macau Peninsula in 1557. They adopted the name locals had been using, “A-Ma-Gau”, (meaning the Bay of A Ma, the Goddess of Seafarers.

The name “A-Ma-Gau” changed to Macau. It has become a blend of Chinese and Portuguese customs. This Island is between the Korean Peninsula and China. It once was a territory of Portugal .About 3 billion people live here. The official languages of Macau are Chinese, (Cantonese) and Portuguese. Street signs and official government documents are written in these two languages. English skills vary but are generally better in tourism related industries.

Macau’s official currency is the Pataca, ($ MOP), that is divided into 100 avos. The Pataca is linked to the Hong Kong dollar which is accepted as currency in Macau.Where We Stayed: We stayed at the Hotel Lisboa. It has a 1000 rooms, a casino, an outdoor pool, a shopping arcade and a health club.The rooms were renovated 5 years ago and our room had a harbor view and a Jacuzzi tub.Every morning we at breakfast at the Robuchon a Galera. We ate a dim sin lunch at the Portas do Sol and saw a cabaret show in the Crazy Paris showroom.

Touring:

We took a tour that began at the Ferry Terminal and we drove though Avenida da Amizade, Lotus Square, Macau Urban Development Exhibition Hall, Kun Lam Statue, the Statue of Kun Lam, (on the waterfront), the Ruins of St. Paul’s, Na Tcha Temple, the Old City Walls, Museum of Macau, Mount Fortress, Temple of A-Ma, Macau Tower then we went over the Friendship Bridge, Avenida da Amizade, the Sands Casino, Lisboa, Estrada de S. Francisco.

We then went back under the Taipa-Coloane Causeway, view the East Asia Games Dome and Lotus Bridge, Taipa Village, Avenida da Praia Residencia and the tour ended near the Casinos.

The guide spoke English and the coach was air-conditioned. We each paid HK $200 for the tour.

Shopping:

I like to shop at markets. We went to the Largo Do Senado market and bought some T-shirts. At the Rua De Tercena Market my husband bought some old Macanese coins.We went to the Taipa Village market to buy some traditional ceramics for our house.

We Ate At:

Mel On The Bend serves home made pastas. I had the pasta and my husband orders the rack of lamb.

Fernando's is near the beach and serves Portuguese food and wine.Scene makes great Cantonese Chinese food. If you are ordering fish you go to the fish tank and point to the fish you want and the chef prepares it fresh for you. I had sauteed fillet of garoupa with crab roe and my husband had double-boiled sea whelk.

One night we went bar hopping along the Docks area. We took in a show at the Ritz Nightclub, (near Fisherman's Wharf) and had a drink at the Mandarin Oriental's Bar da Guia. Every night we went to a different Casino.

What You Should Know:

Macau has a subtropical climate that has cool dry winters and hot wet summers.

Tourists should know where their possessions are, (particularly after dark), as petty street crime occasionally occurs in tourist areas including in and around casinos. Cotton or light clothing is recommended for the summer. Warmer woolen clothing and an overcoat may be need ed for the winter. Nude or topless sunbathing is not allowed.

Macau has two main hospitals that provide 24 hour emergency services.Don't drink the water, or tea & coffee unless you know it has been boiled.Check your bill as many restaurants add a 10% service charge automatically. If service is exceptional you may add another 5%. Small tips may also be given to taxi drivers, bellboys, doormen and washroom attendants.What I Thought: With all the new casinos I almost felt I was in Las Vegas. We had a good time here. Thank you for reading my review.

©Lyla 2007