Merry Macau

It was a short 4-Days, 3-Nights trip to Macau (also spelt as "Macao") - most people would just take a day trip over, since it is a really small city and the main mode of entertainment to offer is gambling - at its lavish casinos... Or is it?

Well, I wouldnt be too sure if I were you, because I sure found plenty to do there during my stay at Macau, a vivacious and vibrant city. Having arrived in January itself, the weather was chilly, but very pleasant.

Hotels
So we managed to experience Ponte 16 Sofitel Hotel, Grand Lisboa and Venetian Hotels - three grand and luxurious hotels in Macau itself. Situated within most grand hotels in Macau are boutiques selling luxury good and casinos - so for the shoppers and those looking to try your luck, entertainment is pretty much taken care of.

I loved Venetian Hotel the most - elegant in its quiet magnificence, it gives off a warm, never-night illusion because of the ceilings painted an azure shade of blue with cottony clouds. I also love the gondolas, canal and bridges.

Food and Shopping
There are the fools who love food, and I am one of them.  Whether it was the gluttony indulgence of quality Chinese food such as dimsum or Cantonese dishes in traditional Chinese restaurants, nibbling on Portugese egg tarts or Koi Kee almond cookies on the sidewalks, or sitting down formally for a tantalizing Portugese meal, I just loved the sumptuous delicacies.

The above is an example of a Portugese meal consumed at Venetian Hotel itself - some chicken stew, baked duck rice and chocolate mousse dessert - all excellent in taste and service was impeccable. Trust me, diners having meals with a view certainly find their food enhanced threefold, at least, as with great companions.

As for shopping, luxury boutiques are available in the galleries of grand hotels. There are shopping malls as well as smaller shops scattered all over the tiny, exuberant city itself. Some examples would be the One Central Macau, The Red Market or shops along Portugese Square.

Portugese Square / St. Paul's Ruins
Speaking of Portugese Square, do not miss out on Macau's most prominent landmark, St. Paul's Ruins.

This college and cathedral was originally built in the 16th century but was burnt down and rebuilt several times until 1835 when a fire arising of a typhoon left it beyond repair - leaving just one stone facade standing atop the stone steps leading up to it.  Today, this facade is a popular tourist's attraction allowing tourists to view the intricate carvings close-up, and offering a panoramic view of the lovely city. Beneath the ruins lies the Museum of Sacred Art and Crypt.

Lastly, for the culturally-inclined or touristy types, there's an assortment of places to see - The Museum of Macau surrounded by a cannon fortress, or a number of beautiful cathedrals around the city as well. Feel free to explore.

I enjoyed my Macau stay very much, and I believe, so would you.