This trip was planned by ZhuEn and I together. It is also the first time we explored a place that we both have never been to. We also had friends from Japan tagging along in this trip. Macau is a place with a rather big divide between the rich and poor. Most parts of the region looks old, but the casinos were very pretty and posh, especially casinos in the Taipa region. It was a truly a journey of discovery and learning.
1 May 2017, Sunny, Hong Kong > Macau Peninsula > Taipa
We woke up early in the morning and made our way to Kennedy town to try a rather famous Sun Hing dim sum shop. It was really crowded and we waited for a while inside. When we were about to get our seats, we were scolded because we did not know which seats the old lady were pointing to. Typical Hong Kong culture haha. After that, I spent quite a while trying to figure out how things work here as it seems quite different. Apparently, we can order off people walking in the shop, or go to the front and order by choosing what is already there. I thank ZhuEn for figuring this out for me as the noisiness and crowd made everything difficult. Food was alright. After that, we went to the ferry terminal at Sheung Wan. We bought the tickets and walked around the mall for a bit. The ferry was equipped with Hydrofoil technology, making it look as if it was floating high above the water (not the regular floating). This allowed it to travel very fast across the sea with less drag, quite impressive really. We arrived at Macau at about 1. We first walked to Fisherman's Wharf. It is not the kind of fisherman's wharf I was expecting. Other than some expensive restaurants around, there was also an arena. The ancient infrastructure was quite impressive. We then took a taxi to Senado Square. There, we walked around the streets, finding the classic Lisboa casino and the newer Grand Lisboa. We began to explore, and bought some very expensive Pork Bun, apparently one of the signature food of Macau. I was not very impressed. Since Margaret's Cafe e Nata was closed, we bought Portuguese egg tarts from another bakery. It was quite good. Next, we walked to find a fountain that we thought was Senado Square, haha. Turns out it was just a random waterfall nearby Se Cathedral. We entered the cathedral for a while. (I do not usually enter a cathedral on my own accord). After that, we walked to Monte Forte, climbing a hill along the way since the fort is on top of a hill. The fort is a Portuguese style fort, used in the past as a central defence base. It is high and it overlooks the whole Macau Peninsula. It is now preserved as a tourist destination, together with Museu de Macau. Good for tourists, the view is spectacular. Next, we went down the hill to find Ruins of St. Pauls.
ZhuEn was very touched when she finally reached this place. After a couple of pictures, we went to buy some food nearby. We then took at taxi to A-Ma temple. (Again, I do not usually enter a temple on my own accord). We can see hints of its former glory. After that, we walked towards our dinner place: Henri's Galley, passing by some impressive rich people's houses, as well as a lake with Macau tower in view. It was a Portuguese dinner. We tried some very refreshingly new tastes and we really enjoyed it. My friend insisted on having some alcohol. I guess he have learnt the Japanese culture. After a really satisfying dinner, we walked back to the central area of Macau Peninsula and sent my friends from Japan back, enjoying the night scenery along the way.
We then took a bus to Taipa to check into our hotel to rest for the night.
2 May 2017, Cloudy, Taipa > Hong Kong
We woke up late in the morning and checked out. We took at bus to The Venetian. After crossing the Venice bridge over what was meant to be a river, but was dry, we entered the place of extreme poshness.
The whole place was decorated with extreme luxury. Even the floors are very shiny and reflective. We walked around the place in awe, until we found Lord Stow's bakery and cafe along the shoppes. The shoppes reminds us of Marina Bay Sands. It turns out they are both called Sands Shoppes, probably belonging to the same company. Lord Stow's bakery is famous for their Portuguese Egg tarts. It was Lord Stow that made egg tarts a famous delicacy. We ordered two egg tarts and some drinks to try, and it was really good. It was not too sweet, and carried hints of saltiness in the pastry crust.
I went to order two more because it really made us hungry haha. After that, we found our way out and went to look at the exteriors of Parisian. The infrastructure is really grand. Next, we took a bus to Galaxy Macau. In my opinion, Galaxy Macau has the most awesome exterior. The combination of white walls and gold tinted windows make the structures extremely impressive.
The internal design however, was not as impressive as the Venetian. We took a free bus ride from the Galaxy to Macau Outer Harbour and took the ferry back to Hong Kong, ending our Macau exploration. We had a relaxing evening on Hong Kong island, eating Mak's wonton noodles, Ichiran ramen, and milk pudding at Yee Shun Milk company. Turns out Yee Shun was originally from Macau. We then checked into Best Western Plus hotel, the hotel with the largest room that I have ever stayed before in my life.
We then rested for the night. Till the next time I have a chance to travel with my dearie.
