Macau, A Slice of Europe.

Though my highlights have always been visiting my relatives, I have learned to appreciate Macau through tourists' eyes during my most recent visit. The good Macanese meals are always a plus. (Portugese food with local influence...I don't know if you can find African Chicken in Portugal). Driving over the bridge (now there are two) to Taipa and Coloane, shopping for such delicacies as chinese tea, passing snake stores in the old streets, and darting motorcycles and swerving cars and pedestrians were all highlights.

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Though this Portugese colony has since reverted back to Chinese rule last December, not much has change. It has had its share of bad press in the time before the handover as local triads (organized crime units) fought for territorial power. There were shootings and car bombs, but all that has died down. I suggest you don't wander too far away from main sights. Watch out for pickpockets. I've never had a problem, but maybe because I'm always with locals. Most people stay on the resorts on Taipa and Coloane and rent mini-Mokes to get around.

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Taxis are convenient. There are many of them in line right outside the boat terminal. This place is very modern these days. I still remember the time when the pier was no more than a small building, basically a mess especially going through customs. I believe you just need a valid US passport to get in. There are alot of buses-locals get around using the efficient public transportation. I don't recommend renting a car, as driving tends to be a little crazy here. You could rent a mini-Moke if you are staying on the islands of Taipa and Coloane. These are cute little jeep-like vehicles. They go a bit slow but there is not much traffic on the island so it's fine. We've also paid a taxi for a day's rate (it's very reasonable, especially compared to US rates) and the driver would just drive and wait. During lunch, we invited him to join us, but of course, that's not essential.

This is a luxury hotel. I got a low rate when I last stayed there through a connection with my relatives, so I don't know if that's the going rate. The rooms are really nice, all the comforts of the western world. This is a full resort, with gym, spa, green lawns with great views, nice big pool, poolside bars, tennis courts, and ping-pong tables. We stayed there for two nights. We also had a good meal at the hotel Macanese restaurant, Flamingo. It has a good atmosphere and excellent food. This hotel has been around for awhile, and it's still going strong. This is their website: http://macau.hyatt.com.

This is probably the single most famous image of Macau. The facade of this church was left after a fire and has been standing ever since. It's at the top of a long flight of stairs, which makes this view even more dramatic. As you walk through the streets to this sight, you'll also go through a lot of old antique stores. Some of my friends in Hong Kong have bought a ton of furniture at excellent prices and have had them shipped to HK. However, I don't know how feasible the rates are to further countries. Buy some Portugese pastries (coconut tarts, sponge cakes, egg custard tarts with the tops caramelized) and sit on the steps to admire the view and people-watch.

The swirl of the black-and-white floor mosaic is the signature of this pedestrian-only square. The centerpiece is a nice fountain and this part of the city is also a main shopping district. This used to be a mess. In fact, I didn't even know this existed until they cleaned up the square. Now, there are often markets and fairs held here. There is a government building (very colonial looking, check out my photos) across from the square although I can't recall the name. You can't miss it.

This is another old landmark of Macau. If you have seen any photos of this city, I'll bet this funky 70's yellow and white circular building is one of them! I've actually only been inside once. When I was a kid, I was so curious to get in but could only go into the games machine section. When I got older, my fascination faded. So my one visit was somewhat anti-climatic. This is no Las Vegas! But it was worthwhile as this is a piece of Macau's history. No matter what you decide to do, you won't miss this Casino. This actually sits right outside the entrance to the older bridge to Taipa island. Take your snapshots from the taxi!

Though there is a brand new international airport in Macau, most people arrive in Hong Kong and take a side trip to Macau. There are jetfoils, the fastest mode of transport to Macau taking just under one hour. The pier to leave from is the Shun Tak Centre at 200 Connaught Road in Hong Kong. This is a modern, multi-story building reachable by bus, taxi and subway (MTR stop is on the other side of Connaught Road, but follow signs through the underground foot path tunnel towards the terminal.)