Macau, or the Vegas of the East, was our first trip to another country... or so my passport tells me. Macau, like Hong Kong is a self administered region in China, which believe me or not counts as a separate stamp in the passport, and hence a different country. We were there less than two days the first time, and not even eight hours the second, but both trips were amazing!The first trip to Macau was relatively early in the CUHK experience, in fact I actually met new people on the way. The group that went was huge, having said this however it whittled down to a few separate groups, as a group of twenty is somewhat unmanigable. The group I went with, included, Kristal, Logan, Leanne, Zarina and Rachel. The day started inocently enough, with some sightseeing around the country. We saw St Pauls Ruins, some catholic statues, Koi ponds and of course, fishermans wharf... in Asia. After much antagonising whether or not to get a hotel, the six of us squeezed ourselves into a tiny room, 3 beds, one bathroom. Not the most comfortable of hostels, but it was cheap, and definitely a great idea in the end.
The night was huge, we went to a few casinos (the Venetian and Grand Lisboa), got free champagne (and some we were tricked into buying), some gambled, some enjoyed the moat in a building. After we were done with the casinos, we sat in a park amd drank. It was a great chance to get to know people who although I'd known for three weeks, they of course, were strangers.
The next day was pretty hectic, on our feet exploring the city, all day, hot and hungover. Not really my favourite scenario but it was a good day. Macau is a beatiful city, you can definitely see the European influence as well as the Chinese influence. When Asian lanterns are hung from traditional European architecture you definitely know you're in a place with an interesting history, even if I don't know much about it.
The second time I went to Macau, it was just myself and Kristal and we went with a purpose, to see Cirque Du Solei. It was incredible! For those who have seen a show, you understand what I say when it's unforgettable and totally ridiculous the things these hundred plus dancers and gymnasts can do. For those who haven't seen it, GO! Book a ticket now! I loved it, it was so worth the panic that it took to get there and the 70AUDS. The meal which followed was amazing also, complete with Sangria, mmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm!
All in all, Macau is a city of contradictions, not only of East vs West, but the discrepancy between the huge casinos and the average citizen is huge, as houses fall apart, while grand casinos come together. I really liked the atmosphere in Macau and could definitely get used to the quieter Asia that is out there if you look hard enough.
Pictures: The Ruins of St Pauls Cathedral
The girls ordering bellinis in the Venetian
China or Europe, you tell me?
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