Macau is located 60km southwest of Hong Kong and the most economical transport there was an hours ride by ferry. Every day, ferries depart regularly from the China Ferry Terminal at Tsim Sha Tsui. When we arrived, the cheapest tickets for the best times were sold out. It left us with no choice but to pay almost twice the fare (HKD253.00) for the Deluxe Class!
Checking into the ferry was a breeze as our upgraded tickets allowed us to walk through the fast track lane. We boarded the New World First Ferry Services (Macau) Limited and settled into our comfortable seats. During our short time onboard, we were served with a drink and sandwich by a curt onboard staff.
Simon enjoying his Deluxe Class seat and view
One hour later, we arrived in the bustling city of Macau. It was not long before we discovered the beautiful black and white Portugese cobblestone pavement that line the city's shopping district. The Portugese settled in Macau in the 16th century and administered the region until the handover in 1999. Walking down the heart of the city, we discovered that history and its heritage had made its physical mark on every street corner, from architecture, cuisine to religion. It was a heady mix of the Hong Kong bustle and psyche set in a European backdrop. We found exterior walls of mosaic tiled art and were amazed by beautiful decorated pavements with compositions that is both traditional and modern. These tiny patterned blocks of limestone is one of Portugal's most endearing hallmarks. Designs feature wave, sea monsters, vessels, animals, spheres and stars.
That's my foot! Obviously not part of the designs
The architecture of the buildings have all sorts of Spanish/European influences with their awnings and decorative pillars. Looking at the buildings did make my mouth water though as the pastel colours of pink, yellow and green reminded me of sponge cakes layers (the whites in between as the cream!). Religious diversity is obvious with churches and temples built in close proximity to each other.
The main cobble pavements gradually branch off into narrow alleyways where the action is! Here you find big name fashion brands to small independent retailers and food stalls.
Tasting every new food available is one of our travel missions and so we were especially excited when we found those popular Portugese tarts! Yuuum.
Portugese tarts... mmmm
We also found Taiwanese Pepper Cakes, baked fresh at the stall using traditional cooking stoves. We had to wait in a long queue to buy those cakes, but it was well worth the wait.
Taiwanese Pepper Cake
Tongue scouring hot minced meat filling and a happy Simes
Armed with our Portugese tarts and freshly baked pepper cakes, we were definitely three happy campers.
Of course our city tour wouldn't be complete without visiting the famous landmark, the ruins of St. Paul's Cathedral. It is a 17th century Portugese cathedral whose only remain is the front facade. The rest of the church was destroyed by fire during a typhoon in 1835.
Here's the magnificent front facade...
And here is us resting with our spicy fish ball snack before the big climb up the steps...
Spicy fish ball snack and a little rest.
Our little sustenance must have given us an extra boost, as before we know it we're at the top and looking at the backside of the facade. We climbed up to look out at the city skyline.
Left: If you look hard enough, you can spot Andy and Simon on the platform! Right: Looking out the top of the facade at Grand Lisboa Hotel (the leaf-shaped building)
I managed to take a nervous snapshot of Andy (whose not too keen on heights) at the top before he hastily made his way back down!
Back down to solid ground, here's me and Andy at the top of the Macau world!
No comments:
Post a Comment