The new adventure

(click on the map and find the red cross)
Oh yeah, for all of you who do not know where my new home is at..... Here we go. I present you: Macao, South China or Macao SAR (Special Administrative Region). It is one of the two SARs of China the other one being Hong Kong. Macao was the first European colony in China and gained idependance from Portugal just 10 years ago. The region comprises the peninsula of Macau and the islands of Taipa and Coloane, all three being connected by bridges overlooking a spectacular skyline.

Macau is a sutle and unique blend of oriental tradtions and modern occidental influence. The mixing of Portuese and Chinese culture is expressed in arquitecture, cuisine, folklore, traditions. However, the real mélange between South-East Asia and South-West Europe is carried by Macanese people – their skin colour, facial features and eyes form, southern hospitality and a laid-back attitude while preserving the traditions of China. Macau is claimed to be the Asian Las Vegas accommodating 28 casinos including The Venetian that is currently the biggest casino in the world. Gambling has become a substantial part of the SAR’s economy and tourism. While walking down the Cotai strip – the famous Macao Cotai project inspired by the Las Vegas Strip – one gets a feeling of light confusion – skyscrapers, palm trees, limos, fountain shows, flashing casino brands – all spiced up with an Asian flavour. The night walk around the famous Macau tower is right by the water and the view is magnificent.

The historical centre of Macau was listed in the World Heritage Sites in 2005 and is like nothing you have seen before. Long, narrow, dark South-European streets, colonial Portugese buildings, cobble stone pavement ... all of this stolen away from its European nest and transported by commerce and politis onto the premises of Asia. Buddhist temples and Catholic churches are friendly neighbours, Western food meets dumplings and riceballs, arched façades feature Chinese lanterns. Oh, humanity, what have you done? How could this notorious globalization of our times have created something so spectacular and beautiful- the real gem of China.