The Grave Walk

In Macau, unless you can afford a stay at The Venetian, you would probably end up settling in one of the many 2 star hotels across the city. Like the one we stayed in, complete with creaking floor boards, leaking tap and very hard beds.

Charming, albeit dingy 1960s room

Dor hated the room. As long as there is running hot water in the toilet, I am satisfied.

Night view from our window
Church

I know, the graveyard is the last place you will think of as an attraction to visit. But, it is here at the old protestant cemetery that i learnt so much about the history of the early colonists in Macau. Their stories all carved deep into the stones that mark their graves.

The Old Protestant Cemetery

And to the memory of Macau...

City Walk

Temple
Largo do Senado

Ruins of St. Paul's Cathedral
Fortaleza do Monte
Temple of Ne Zha

Heritage Walk

Although Macau is better known for her casinos, me, I like her for a whole different reason. If you would take a day or 2 off, you would realize that there is a lot more to Macau than just plain gaming.

Macau has a rich and colourful history, a fusion of both Chinese and Portuguese cultures. A stroll around the old town reveals much of her days under colonial rule.

Church of Penha

There are a number of itineraries for heritage walks that are available online. We chose one that would give us the best insight into Macau's history.

A-Ma Temple

Maritime Museum
Barra Square

Sweet fragrance of freshly baked pastries permeates the air, and that must only mean that a Koi Kei Patisserie is just round the corner. They are the trusted brand of local delights (cakes, snacks, biscuits, egg tarts, pastries) that all tourists turn to for their quick solution to souvenir shopping.

Koi Kei Patisserie

I had Portuguese egg tart three times a day. For breakfast, lunch and then dinner. They are that good.

Caught in the act

Pastel Mansion
"Grimmauld Place" - Skinniest building
I have seen by far

And henceforth, I have no recollection of the names of places. After a while, all the churches sound the same, and the squares look the same.

Its my dream to someday plant pretty pots like these outside my window. When I wake up in the morning, I will push open my wooden window, stretch my hands out to the sky and be grateful for yet another morning :)

Sin City

Welcome to sin city. The epitome of decadent living, complete with casino hopping, shopping aplenty and food tasting.

From Guangzhou, we bused down to Zhu Hai (Border city between China and Macau), and on foot we crossed over to Macau!

Macau Fisherman's Wharf

Seradura has got to be my favourite Macanese dessert, or is it Portuguese? Oh well, you will never know with Macau. Seradura is a cookies and cream dessert, and its literally cookies plus cream. I know, you are thinking fats and cholesterol, a big no no. But this cream, you got to try. The cream was a white cloud of puff, very light, and its sprinkled with the finest of crushed cookie dust, hence the name Seradura which also means Saw Dust.

Seradura/ "Saw Dust"
5th Avenue

The Venetian, you've got to absolutely go. I have never been to Venice (hope to some day), but for that moment, it did feel like it. I was in Venice in Macau.

The Venetian

There is a canal that runs through the length of the mall, with gondolas on it, and rowers serenading down the stretch. *swooons, such romance. It made me want to go visit Venice that much more.

As we strolled down the stretch, we were constantly surrounded with music. Floating from the canal, and then from the promenade too.

Poker Tower

That guy just amuses me so. He looked so crazed stacking all those poker cards to the outline of the Macau skyline. Gosh, wish I could have helped.

The Venetian is more than just a casino or a premium shopping mall. Its Venice in Macau.